Internal application

Subclass of:

Patent class list (only not empty are listed)

Deeper subclasses:

Entries

Document

Title

Date

20160022345

CRYOGENIC MEDICAL SYSTEM - Cryogenic medical devices and apparatus are disclosed which are capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen. The cryogenic medical devices and apparatus disclosed are useful in methods of treating damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues.

01-28-2016

20120265188

Plaque Stabilisation Using Cryoenergy - There is provided a method of supplying cryoenergy to a plaque within a blood vessel. The method comprises expanding an expandable membrane of a catheter apparatus with a pressure of less than 5 ATM (507 kPa), the catheter apparatus having been placed in thermal contact with the plaque within the blood vessel. The method also comprises establishing a temperature of between +15° C. (288K) and −35° C. (238K) at an interface of the expandable membrane and the blood vessel. A system and catheter apparatus are also provided.

10-18-2012

20120265187

Method for Reducing Hyperdynamic Facial Wrinkles - A method for cryogenically treating a target tissue comprises providing a cryogenic device having one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and advancing the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes through skin disposed above the target tissue into the target tissue. The target tissue comprises a motor nerve. The method also includes cooling the target tissue with the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and temporarily disrupting signal conduction from the motor nerve thereby preventing contraction of a muscle operably coupled to the motor nerve. This reduces or eliminates hyperdynamic wrinkles of a patient's face.

10-18-2012

20150094701

TRIPLE BALLOON CATHETER - The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen; a second lumen; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more deformable balloon and/or flexible elements. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method, a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the left atrium is ablated with the device, whereby the ablation is created by freezing tissue.

04-02-2015

20140088580

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING NERVE INJURY DURING A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - A method of treating tissue is provided, including positioning a stimulation device proximate a phrenic nerve; stimulating the phrenic nerve with the stimulation device; measuring a physiological response to the stimulation; defining a threshold physiological response value based at least in part on the measured physiological response; positioning a thermal treatment element proximate to an arrhythmogenic cardiac tissue region; applying a thermal treatment regimen to the cardiac tissue region with the medical device; measuring a physiological parameter during the thermal treatment regimen application; and conveying the measured physiological parameter to a controller, the controller comparing the measured physiological parameter to the defined physiological response value threshold, the controller adjusting the thermal treatment regimen in response to the comparison of the measured physiological parameter to the defined physiological response value threshold.

03-27-2014

20140088579

CYROGENIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

03-27-2014

20100318075

CRYOTHERAPY METHOD FOR DETECTING AND TREATING VULNERABLE PLAQUE - Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.

12-16-2010

20140025055

TREATMENTS USING CYROGENIC ABLATION SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

01-23-2014

20090292279

Device and Method for Coordinated Insertion of a Plurality of Cryoprobes - The present invention relates to devices and methods delivering a plurality of thermal ablation probes to an organic target in a body, the probes being delivered in a configuration and orientation enabling efficient and thorough ablation of a large target of complex shape. Preferred embodiments include introducers having individual probe channels shaped to direct inserted probes to diverge upon exiting the introducer, probes designed and constructed to bend in selected manner when exiting the introducer, and apparatus for stabilizing an introducer with respect to a target during insertion of treatment probes from introducer to target.

11-26-2009

20090306638

Multiple sensor device for measuring tissue temperature during thermal treatment - The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring tissue temperature during thermal treatment of a body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermal probe comprising a plurality of thermal sensors operable to measure tissue temperatures during thermal treatments such as cryosurgery. Embodiments of the invention enable simultaneous measurements, using a single probe, of temperatures at a plurality of positions within body tissues. A preferred embodiment enables movement of sensors with respect to tissues while the probe is immobilized by being embedded in frozen tissue.

12-10-2009

20120029493

DUAL INJECTION TUBE CRYOCATHETER AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A medical device includes a catheter body having a first injection lumen, a second injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen, where the first injection lumen provides a fluid flow rate greater than a fluid flow rate provided by the second injection lumen; an expandable element coupled to the catheter body in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens; a cryogenic fluid source in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens; a valve in fluid communication with the first and second injection lumens to selectively allow fluid flow to at least one of the first and second injection lumens; a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior defined by the expandable element; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor programmed to regulate fluid flow through the first injection lumen based at least in part on a signal from the pressure sensor.

02-02-2012

20120029496

RENAL NERVE ABLATION USING MILD FREEZING AND MICROWAVE ENERGY - A catheter arrangement includes a flexible shaft having a length sufficient to access a patient's renal artery relative to a percutaneous access location. A cooling arrangement is provided at a distal end of the shaft and dimensioned for deployment within a renal artery. The cooling arrangement is configured to freeze tissue of a wall of the renal artery while target tissue adjacent the renal artery wall including perivascular renal nerve tissue remains unfrozen. A microwave emitter is configured to propagate microwave energy through the frozen renal artery wall to heat the unfrozen target tissue to a temperature sufficient to ablate perivascular renal nerve tissue included within the target tissue with no or negligible thermal damage to at least an inner wall of the renal artery.

02-02-2012

20110230873

Method mini refrigerator and apparatus for treating diseases - Treating diseases includes introducing into an unhealthy inclusion in an organ a needle and freezing the unhealthy inclusion, thereafter withdrawing the unhealthy inclusion deformed by freezing from the organs by the needle, and thereafter heating the area of the organ from which the unhealthy inclusion has been removed by the needle in the above specified sequence, which can be performed by individual, separate needles, or by a single needle.

09-22-2011

20120283715

ELECTRICAL SENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE FOR TREATING TISSUE - A medical system, including a catheter body, an expandable element coupled to the catheter body; a first electrically-conductive element coupled to an interior surface of the expandable element; and a second electrically-conductive element coupled to an exterior surface of the expandable element, where the first and second electrically-conductive elements form a capacitor with the expandable element.

11-08-2012

20090281533

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CHILLING CRYO-ABLATION COOLANT AND RESULTING CRYO-ABLATION SYSTEM - Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.

11-12-2009

20120283714

METHODS OF TREATMENT WITH COMPLIANT ELEMENTS AND WIRE STRUCTURES - A method of treating a tissue region, including deploying a plurality of sensors of a medical device into contact with the tissue region; measuring at least one of an electrical voltage, capacitance or resistance value with at least one of the plurality of sensors; generating a position indicator based at least in part on the measured value; inflating an expandable element of the medical device, and thermally affecting the tissue region with the expandable element.

11-08-2012

20110009854

EXPANDABLE MULTI-TUBULAR CRYOPROBE - An expandable, flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe operational with a near critical cryogenic working fluid. The inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes utilized are formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from −200° C. to ambient temperature. During operation, the cryoprobe is mechanically actuated to provide radial expansion of the inlet fluid transfer micro-tubes. Thus, enhanced thermal contact with target biological tissue to be treated is provided.

01-13-2011

20100057064

Medical Device for the Transport of Subcooled Cryogenic Fluid through a Linear Heat Exchanger - A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen. The cryogenic medical device promotes the subcooling to any external cryogenic probe.

03-04-2010

20100057065

METHOD FOR CRYOSPRAY ABLATION - Methods for treating oral, nasal, pharyngeal and/or laryngeal tissue in a subject are described. Methods of the invention may comprise spraying a tissue to be treated with a cryogen and/or using a cryogen to create an isotherm in proximity to the tissue to be treated.

03-04-2010

20100057063

TIP DESIGN FOR CRYOGENIC PROBE WITH INNER COIL INJECTION TUBE - A cryogenic probe design is provided containing, for example, an inner coil injection tube with a continuous flow of circulating liquid and an outer jacket enclosing the inner coil injection tube. A transducer may monitor parameters in the region between the inner coil injection tube and the outer jacket. An outer jacket serves to prevent gas leakage. One or more embodiments of a probe design provide continuous flow for example via a continuous and controlled path from inlet to outlet and an expanded thermally transmissive region. Expanding a thermally transmissive region of the cooling zone may be provided, for example, in one or more embodiments of injection tube designs.

03-04-2010

20120191080

Method and Apparatus for Regulating the Formation of Ice On A Catheter - A method and apparatus is provided, including regulating the generation and formation of ice and active warming of an instrument applied to the tissue of a patient. The method may include measuring a parameter from a sensor disposed on the instrument. The forming of ice and active warming of the instrument may be via a thermal source in fluid communication with the instrument.

07-26-2012

20130204240

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RADIOMETRICALLY MEASURING TEMPERATURE DURING TISSUE ABLATION - The present invention provides systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature during ablation. An interface module includes a processor; a first input/output (I/O) port configured to receive digital radiometer and thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT) that includes a radiometer; a second I/O port configured to receive ablative energy from an electrosurgical generator; a temperature display; a patient relay in communication with the first and second I/O ports and the processor; and a computer-readable medium storing radiometer and thermocouple operation parameters and instructions for causing the processor to: calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the radiometer and thermocouple signals and the operation parameters, causing the temperature display to display the calculated temperature, and closing the patient relay so as to pass ablative energy received on the second I/O port to the first I/O port.

08-08-2013

20090287203

Apparatus and Methods for Retracting an Ablation Balloon - Apparatus and methods for retracting a balloon back into a delivery sheath following a medical procedure using the balloon. A handle on the device includes a balloon folding mechanism coupled to a proximal end of a guide wire shaft so that actuating the balloon folding mechanism causes rotation of the guide wire shaft within a catheter body. A distal end of the balloon is attached to a distal end of the guide wire shaft, which extends beyond the distal end of the catheter body, and a proximal end of the balloon is attached to the distal end of the catheter body so that actuating the folding mechanism causes the balloon to wrap around the guide wire shaft. The folding mechanism may also be configured for elongating the balloon. Rotating, or rotating and elongating, the deflated balloon results in a balloon with a smaller profile that may easily be retracted into a delivery sheath.

11-19-2009

20140350536

Cryogenic Blunt Dissection Methods and Devices - A point of incision is created within tissue, the tissue having a temporoparietal fascia-deep temporoparietal fascia layer (TPF-sDTF) beneath skin and a temporal branch of a target nerve extending along a portion of the TPF-sDTF, the point of incision being laterally displaced from the target nerve. A cryogenic probe having a distal tip extending from an elongated body is inserted into the point of incision. The TPF-sDTF is bluntly dissected using the cryogenic probe such that a treating portion of the cryogenic probe is directly adjacent to a first treatment portion of the target nerve. The cryogenic probe is activated to create a first treatment zone at the first treatment portion of the target nerve to cause a therapeutic effect.

11-27-2014

20150066005

CRYOSPRAY CATHETERS - A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module, a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

03-05-2015

20110060323

Resorbable Probe Including a Device and Method for Minimally Invasive Tissue Sensitization and Treatment - The resorbable cryoprobe device and process is a novel approach for treating localized disease allowing for the precise combined application of freezing temperatures and cytotoxic or cryosensitizing agents within a self-contained matrix/package for optimized tissue destruction. The cryopellet is comprised of a list of components including a source of cryogen to produce the sub-zero temperatures, a porous matrix to contain the cytotoxic agent, cytotoxic agent, and a delivery packet. Data presented herein demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in destroying cancerous tissue. For example, the application of freezing temperatures to −10° C. results in approximately 15% cell death, while exposure to cytotoxic agents such as TRAIL produces minimal cell death. The utilization of the cryopellet approach results in a synergistic effect yielding complete cell death at the same temperature. The innovation behind the resorbable probe application includes the strategic combination of agents to activate intrinsic or extrinsic cell death responses (including apoptosis and necrosis), unique packaging of the cryogen and cytotoxic agent, and a unique delivery system. The resorbable cryoprobe technology will assist directly in the treatment of cancer, as well as will likely lead to broader application for disease treatment.

03-10-2011

20100249765

TRACHEOBRONCHIAL PULMONARY CRYOGENIC THERAPEUTIC METHOD AND APPARATUS - Disclosed are methods for the cryoablation treatment of a patients tracheobronchial pulmonary system, such as in the treatment of tracheobronchial lesions and lung cancer. The pulmonary system treatment method employs a specially dimensioned dorsal end catheter system that includes a proximal end suitable to provide for the delivery of a cryogenic material to a desired pulmonary area of interest in a patient. The apparatus includes as a part thereof an endoscope dimensioned so as to be suitable for insertion through a patient's trachea. Provided are tracheobronchial cryoablation methods for treatment of benign airway disease, early lung cancer, sarcoidosis, Wegner's granulomatosis, rhinoscleroma, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), benign tracheal stenosis, pulmonary dysplasia, neoplasia, vascular lesions, inflammatory lesions and pulmonary and/or tracheal degenerative lesions.

09-30-2010

20100249766

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CRYO-THERAPY - Methods and apparatus for cryo-therapy are disclosed herein. This includes a hollow guidewire disposed within a catheter having helical loops contacting tissue. A coolant delivery tube disposed within can have a coolant delivered from a proximal end into the guidewire lumen. The coolant flows back proximally through the guidewire while cooling the guidewire surface and cooling or cryogenically ablating the contacting tissue. To minimize guidewire exposure to surrounding fluids or tissue, insulative barriers can be attached to the guidewire. A coolant delivery tube and return lumen can be integrated from a single extrusion in various configurations. Expandable balloons can also be used to expand the loops of the guidewire to contact the tissue. Also, helical loops with a coolant delivery tube or stem disposed longitudinally within the loops can be used and the loops can also have a variable collapsible cooling region.

09-30-2010

20100076420

Evacuation chamber - During cryotherapy, using an endoscope that extends within a patient to a cold treatment site, the device of the invention vacuums gas from the site through radial intake ports to a cylindrical space in an evacuation chamber held elastically circumferentially about the distal end of the endoscope tube that carries the cryoprobe to the site.

03-25-2010

20120109117

CRYOGENIC PROBE WITH SWIVEL - A cryogenic wand for ablating tissue comprising a cryogenic ablation tube closed at a distal end and including an ablation zone, the ablation tube in fluid communication with and coupled proximally to at least one of two segments that are rotatably repositionable with respect to one another, wherein the two segments are fluidically sealed so that fluid entering a first of the at least two segments passes therethrough and enters a second of the at least two segments.

05-03-2012

20110040297

FLEXIBLE MULTI-TUBULAR CRYOPROBE - A flexible multi-tubular cryoprobe, including a housing for receiving an inlet flow of near critical cryogenic fluid from a fluid source and for discharging an outlet flow of the cryogenic fluid. A plurality of fluid transfer tubes are securely attached to the housing. This includes a set of inlet fluid transfer tubes for receiving the inlet flow from the housing; and, a set of outlet fluid transfer tubes for discharging the outlet flow to the housing. Each of the fluid transfer tubes is formed of material that maintains flexibility in a full range of temperatures from −200° C. to ambient temperature. Each fluid transfer tube has an inside diameter in a range of between about 0.10 mm and 1.0 mm and a wall thickness in a range of between about 0.01 mm and 0.30 mm. An end cap is positioned at the ends of the plurality of fluid transfer tubes to provide fluid transfer from the inlet fluid transfer tubes to the outlet fluid transfer tubes.

02-17-2011

20110040298

Method and System for Cryoablating Fibroadenomas - A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

02-17-2011

20150045780

CYROGENIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

02-12-2015

20090299355

Electrical mapping and cryo ablating with a balloon catheter - In some implementations, a method of ablating body tissue includes (a) locating an inflatable balloon portion of a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site internal to a patient's body, and inflating the inflatable balloon portion; (b) employing electrodes that are disposed on an expandable surface of the inflatable balloon portion to electrically characterize body tissue at the treatment site; (c) ablating the body tissue by supplying a cryotherapy agent to the inflatable balloon portion to cool the body tissue to a therapeutic temperature; (d) employing the electrodes to determine whether the ablating caused desired electrical changes in the body tissue; and (e) repeating (c) and (d) when it is determined that the ablating did not cause the desired electrical changes.

12-03-2009

20140276702

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE AND METHOD - Ablation devices and methods are provided that allow for monitoring and control of temperature, pressure and position of ablating probes to achieve a more precise destruction of the nerve tissue and other soft tissue in a minimally invasive procedure. The ablation devices comprise at least a probe configured to generate pressure and temperature for ablating unwanted soft tissue and/or nerve tissue and at least one monitoring device coupled to the probe for recording and regulating temperature, pressure and position of the probe. The ablation devices can also include at least one imaging device coupled to the probe for identifying the area to be subjected to ablation. The ablation device includes a computer system coupled to the probe and programmed with software adapted to receive real or retrospective time data from the monitoring device and/or at least one imaging device configured to calculate optimal temperature, pressure, and position for the probe.

09-18-2014

20150320472

CATHETER BALLOON METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING SENSING ELEMENTS - An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state.

11-12-2015

20120109116

CRYO-ABLATION DEVICE WITH DEPLOYABLE INJECTION TUBE - A medical system is provided, including a catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft slidably disposed within a portion of the catheter body, the shaft defining a distal tip; a fluid injection tube coupled to the distal portion of the catheter body and the distal tip of the shaft, the fluid injection tube being transitionable from a first geometric configuration to a second geometric configuration; a membrane coupled to the shaft and enclosing at least a portion of the fluid injection tube therein; and a coolant source in fluid communication with the fluid injection tube. The first geometric configuration may be substantially linear, the second geometric configuration may be substantially helical, and the membrane may be tensioned across at least a portion of the fluid injection tube in the second geometric configuration.

05-03-2012

20110087204

CRYOPLASTY DEVICE AND METHOD - A cryoplasty catheter and method for preventing or slowing reclosure of a lesion following angioplasty. The cryoplasty catheter includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a dilatation balloon disposed at the distal end. An intake lumen and exhaust lumen are defined by the shaft to deliver coolant to the balloon and to exhaust or drain coolant from the balloon. The method in accordance with the present invention includes cooling a lesion to aid in remodeling the lesion through dilatation and/or freezing a portion of the lesion adjacent the dilatation balloon to kill cells within the lesion to prevent or retard restenosis.

04-14-2011

20110125141

Cryotherapy Methods for Treating Vessel Dissections and Side Branch Occlusion - The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.

05-26-2011

20120065631

CATHETER WITH CRYOGENIC AND ELECTRICAL HEATING ABLATION - A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an electrically-driven ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber through which a controllably injected coolant circulates to lower the tip temperature, and having an RF electrode at its distal end. The RF electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled to conductively cool the tissue in coordination with an RF treatment regimen.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INFLATING AND DEFLATING BALLOON CATHETERS - A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.

METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR TREATING CARDIAC TISSUE THROUGH A NATURAL ORIFICE - Ablation probes for ablating cardiac tissue through a patient's natural orifice and methods for ablating cardiac tissue through a patient's natural orifice. In some embodiments, an ablation probe, which may include electrodes, a radio frequency probe or a cryoprobe, is inserted through an incision made through the patient's esophagus. A balloon catheter may be inserted through the incision after it has been made to expand the area between the heart and the esophagus. The ablation probe is then brought into contact with the cardiac tissue and activated to irreversibly damage the tissue. The ablation probes may employ vacuum to retain the tissue in contact with the probe during ablation.

04-28-2011

20110106070

ABLATION SYSTEM - An ablation device comprising a positioning catheter adapted to be positionable in a heart and comprising a fixation mechanism for fixing the positioning catheter in the heart, and an ablation catheter adapted to ablate material of the heart using the ablation catheter, wherein the ablation catheter is designed to ablate tissue along an isthmus of the heart, wherein the positioning catheter and the ablation catheter are provided to be movable relative to one another.

05-05-2011

20150320473

CRYOTHERAPY DEVICE WITH CRYOPROTECTION AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING CRYOTHERAPY WITH CRYOPROTECTION - A cryoprotective device includes a hollow cryoprotective probe having a distal tip, a removable obturator, and at least one integral temperature sensor monitoring temperature at least adjacent the distal tip. An injector is able to inject a cyroprotective substance (CPS) through the cryoprotective probe and out the distal tip when the obturator is removed. The CPS is of a material that prevents freezing of a substance at which it is injected when adjacent cryotherapy occurs. A processor monitors temperature of the at least one the temperature sensor and can indicate if a preset limit is exceeded.

11-12-2015

20100042086

Efficient Controlled Cryogenic Fluid Delivery Into a Balloon Catheter and Other Treatment Devices - Devices, systems, and methods efficiently dilate and/or cool blood vessels and other body tissues. Controlled cooling with balloon catheters and other probes may be effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic fluid, often after measuring a minimum pulse width for actuating an individual solenoid valve along the cooling fluid path, with the measured pulse width allowing gradual inflation of a balloon without excessive venting of cooling fluid.

02-18-2010

20100049184

Regulating Pressure to Lower Temperature in a Cryotherapy Balloon Catheter - A cryotherapy catheter can include an elongate member and an inflatable balloon at a distal end of the elongate member, the elongate member having lumens formed therein to supply cryogenic fluid to a chamber of the balloon and to channel exhaust from the balloon chamber; and a controller programmed to control a first rate at which the cryogenic fluid is supplied to the balloon chamber and a second rate at which exhaust is channeled from the balloon chamber, wherein the controller is programmed to a) develop, during a first phase of a cryotherapy procedure, a first pressure inside the balloon chamber at a value that is greater than an ambient pressure outside and adjacent to a proximal end of the elongate member, and b) develop, during a second phase of the cryotherapy procedure, the first pressure at a value that is less than the ambient pressure.

02-25-2010

20110112521

Cryoprobe for Low Pressure Systems - A cryoprobe for use in cryosurgery and other applications comprising a rigid outer tube, an inner coolant inlet tube. a short rigid penetrating segment extending distally from the distal end of the outer tube and a helical-shaped baffle having a heating element disposed about the outer surface of the inlet tube. The baffle is adapted to produce turbulent fluid flow improving heat transfer and is able to warm target tissue during rapid freezing and thawing cycles.

05-12-2011

20110082453

HANDLE FOR AN ABLATION DEVICE - A handle for an ablation device, the handle comprising a positioning control handle part adapted to be coupled to a positioning catheter of the ablation device and adapted to position the positioning catheter in an object, and an ablation control handle part adapted to be coupled to an ablation catheter of the ablation device and adapted to ablate material of the object using the ablation catheter, wherein the positioning control handle part and the ablation control handle part are adapted to be separable from one another.

04-07-2011

20130218148

Pain Management Using Cryogenic Remodeling - Medical devices, systems, and methods for pain management and other applications may apply cooling with at least one probe inserted through an exposed skin surface of skin. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissues so as to effect a desired change in composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior, often to interfere with transmission of pain signals along sensory nerves. Alternative embodiments may interfere with the function of motor nerves, the function of contractile muscles, and/or some other tissue included in the contractile function chain so as to inhibit muscle contraction and thereby alleviate associated pain. In some embodiments, other sources of pain such as components of the spine (optionally including herniated disks) may be treated.

08-22-2013

20110028960

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REGULATING PRESSURE LEVELS IN AN INTER-EXPANSION-ELEMENT SPACE OF A CRYOABLATION SYSTEM - A cryoablation catheter assembly includes a catheter having a coolant outtake region and receives a guide tube and a coolant transfer tube. The coolant transfer tube receives and transfers coolant from a coolant source to an expansion element coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The expansion element includes an outer layer disposed over an inner layer such that the expansion element defines an inter-expansion-element space between the inner layer and the outer layer and an intra-expansion-element space within the inner layer. The intra-expansion-element space is in fluid communication with the coolant outtake region and the coolant transfer tube. The inter-expansion-element space is in fluid communication with a fluid pathway that transfers fluids to a fluid-drawing source. A pressure regulation system is disposed along the fluid pathway and passively regulates the pressure in the inter-expansion-element space using at least one check valve.

02-03-2011

20120022513

CRYOTREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS OF FORMING CONDUCTION BLOCKS - Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

01-26-2012

20140358136

APPARATUS AND METHODS RELATED TO SELECTIVE THERMAL INSULATION OF CRYOGENIC BALLOONS FOR LIMITED CRYOGENIC ABLATION OF VESSEL WALLS - Embodiments related to cryogenically ablating a vessel wall in a partial circumferential, non-continuous, or helical ablation pattern are disclosed. A catheter is disclosed that includes a cryoballoon for ablation of the vessel wall. A radially expandable insulative element is disposed over the cryoballoon to shield non-targeted tissue of the vessel wall from the cryoballoon and prevent ablation of the non-targeted tissue. Partial circumferential, non-continuous, and helical ablation can be effective for treating a variety of renal, cardio-renal, and other diseases including but not limited to hypertension, heart failure, renal disease, renal failure, contrast nephropathy, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction. The insulative element may be, for example, a sheath component having opening(s) formed therethrough or may be an outer balloon within which the cryoballoon is disposed.

12-04-2014

20150051595

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DENERVATION OF THE NERVES SURROUNDING THE PULMONARY VEINS FOR TREATMENT OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - Methods, systems, and devices for providing a denervating energy treatment to the tissue of the pulmonary vein and antrum region of the left atrium utilizing a catheter-based structure having one or more energy delivery surfaces. In some instances energy delivery surfaces are arranged with a circumferential and axial offset relative to one another. A pattern of individual lesions loosely approximating a helix, or other staggered pattern, or roughly circumferential are placed so as to provide a pattern which covers substantially the circumference of the treated area while avoiding stenosis. Denervating energy is applied by modulation of the energy delivery surfaces using an energy source integrated with a controller and control algorithm. In some instances feedback is used in a control algorithm for energy modulation. Energy sources are radiofrequency, ultrasound, and cryogenic.

02-19-2015

20120197243

MULTI FREQUENCY AND MULTI POLARITY COMPLEX IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS TO ASSESS ABLATION LESIONS - A method of assessing a tissue ablation treatment, including positioning a medical device adjacent a target tissue; measuring a first impedance magnitude a first frequency with the medical device; measuring a first impedance phase at a second frequency with the medical device; ablating at least a portion of the target tissue with the medical device; measuring at second impedance magnitude at a third frequency with the medical device; measuring a second impedance phase at a fourth frequency with the medical device; comparing at least one of (i) the first and second impedance magnitudes and (ii) the first and second impedance phases; and providing an indication of the efficacy of the ablation treatment based at least in part on the comparison.

08-02-2012

20090287201

THERMOCOUPLE-CONTROLLED CATETHER COOLING SYSTEM - The present invention provides a medical system, including a catheter defining an injection lumen, a chamber in fluid communication with the injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen in fluid communication with the chamber; a first temperature sensor positioned in the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber; a second temperature sensor positioned in the chamber; and a console in electrical communication with the first and second temperature sensors, the controller modifying coolant flow through the medical device based at least in part upon a signal received from the first and second temperature sensor. The system may further include a thermally-conductive element circumscribing a substantial portion of the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber, where the first temperature sensor is mounted to the thermally-conductive element, and the thermally-conductive element may include at least one of a braid, coil, and band.

11-19-2009

20100168725

ISOTHERM-BASED TISSUE ABLATION CONTROL SYSTEM - A system and method for use with at least one cryoprobe for the treatment of biological tissue controls the energy applied to the tissue. The invention receives live procedure data such as temperature information from locations along the pathway of the cryogenic liquids, and calculates a procedure signature or profile based on the procedure data. In one embodiment, volumetric isotherms are calculated. The procedure signature is compared to a planning signature based on previously acquired image data and estimates of the thermal gradients from models. The system and method are further configured to automatically regulate the application of power based on analysis of the planning data to the procedure data.

07-01-2010

20160089196

CRYOSURGERY SYSTEM - A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module, a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

03-31-2016

20100262132

Compound Bipolar Ablation Device and Method - Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation device can include a lower jaw assembly including a proximal jaw having a proximal electrode and a distal jaw having a distal electrode, and an upper jaw assembly including an upper jaw having an upper electrode. A proximal actuator can be movable between a first position in which the proximal jaw is open and a second position in which the proximal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw. A distal actuator can be movable between a third position in which the distal jaw is open and a fourth position in which the distal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw.

10-14-2010

20100274236

APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR APPLYING A CRYOGENIC EFFECT TO TISSUE AND CUTTING TISSUE - The disclosure provides a surgical device adapted to administer cryogen to a target tissue. The device may be equipped with one or more blades and the device may be adapted to deliver cryogen to a tissue before, during and/or after contacting the tissue with the blade. According to some embodiments, the device may be adapted to heat and/or cool the blade(s).

10-28-2010

20100211056

COMPLIANT BALLOON CATHETER - A catheter includes a first expandable membrane having a first pressurization limit and a second expandable membrane, having a second pressurization limit, wherein the second pressurization limit is greater than the first pressurization limit, the first expandable membrane defines a cooling chamber, the second expandable membrane being disposed around the first expandable membrane to define an junction therebetween. The catheter includes a coolant injection lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port and the cooling chamber, and a primary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the cooling chamber. The coolant injection tube, the cooling chamber, and the primary coolant return lumen define a first fluid pathway. The catheter further includes a secondary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the junction. The junction and the secondary coolant return lumen define a second fluid pathway. The catheter provides a fail-safe feature by selecting the appropriate first and second pressurization limits for the first and second expandable membranes.

08-19-2010

20120035601

CRYOGENIC MEDICAL MAPPING AND TREATMENT DEVICE - A medical device and method are provided for mapping and therapeutic treatment, which may include a source of cryogenic fluid, a balloon or other expandable member in fluid communication with the source of cryogenic fluid, and a plurality of electrodes on the expandable member. The medical device may include a catheter or elongate body, and the electrodes may take the form of longitudinal strips. The expandable member may take the form of an inner and outer balloon, and the electrodes may be on the outer balloon. The electrodes may be on a proximal or distal conical portion of the expandable member, or both. An electrical insulator may be provided covering a portion of the electrodes.

02-09-2012

20120245574

Spray nozzle design for a catheter - A catheter-based medical device including controlled refrigerant dispersion is disclosed. The device includes a fluid injection tube that carries refrigerant from a coolant supply to the distal portion of the device. A fluid dispersion unit is disposed on the distal end of the fluid tube to control the angle of distribution for refrigerant that is expelled from the fluid injection tube. Controlling the angle of distribution for the refrigerant facilitates dispersion of the fluid in a predetermined spray pattern. The disclosure further relates to cryoablation treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryoablation treatment methods for tissue treatment to address various conditions suitably treatable with cryoablation.

09-27-2012

20160015444

CARDIAC CRYOLIPOLYSIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA - A system, device, and method for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia by, specifically, cryolipolysis of non-myocardial tissue and cryoablation of myocardial tissue. A system for treating cardiac arrhythmia may include a first thermal treatment device configured for placement within a heart in contact with myocardial tissue, a second thermal treatment device configured for placement in contact with pericardial tissue, an ablation energy source in communication with the first thermal treatment device, and a cooling energy source in communication with the second thermal treatment device, the cooling energy source causing the second thermal treatment device to reach a temperature insufficient for myocardial ablation when the second thermal treatment device is activated. A method of treating cardiac arrhythmia may include introducing a cooling element into a pericardial space proximate pericardial adipose tissue, and activating the cooling element to reduce the temperature of adjacent pericardial adipose tissue to approximately 0° C.

01-21-2016

20140031804

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ABLATING TISSUE - A method and system for ablating a tissue region. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes positioning a medical device including a deformable and helical distal portion in contact with a tissue region, the a helical distal portion including a plurality of turns each having a diameter, the diameter of each turn being greater than the diameter of the next distal turn, compressing the helical distal portion against the tissue region, deforming the distal portion into a substantially concentric spiral, and activating one or more treatment elements and ablating the target tissue. The method may further include advancing the uncompressed helical distal portion into a hollow anatomical feature, such as a pulmonary vein, and activating one or more treatment elements and ablating the target tissue.

01-30-2014

20090287202

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CRYOGENICALLY ABLATING TISSUE AND ADJUSTING CRYOGENIC ABLATION REGIONS - Apparatus and methods for performing cryogenic ablation of tissue and adjusting the size and/or location of a cryogenic cooling region. A cooling assembly may include tubes for dispensing and exhausting a coolant or refrigerant. One or both of the tubes may be moved, e.g., slidably adjusted, in order to adjust the location or size of a cryogenic ablation region. The cooling assembly may be integrated into cryogenic ablation devices including a cryogenic balloon device that includes an inner inflatable balloon and another balloon that is at least partially wrapped around the inner balloon and carries refrigerant for performing cryo-ablation. Electrodes permit electrical mapping of tissue before or after cryo-ablation to verify success of the procedure.

11-19-2009

20100198206

Cryoprobe With Vibrating Mechanism - Cryoprobes and a cryotherapy method. A cryoprobe includes: a shaft having a central axis, a tip at a first end, a male socket section at a second end opposite the first end, a cryogen feeding pipe extending from the tip through the male socket section along the axis, and a cryogen return passage extending from the tip through the male socket section; and a handle having a female socket adapted and configured to receive and connect with the male socket section in a quick connect manner, a vibration section that selectively causes vibration along the axis, a cryogen exhaust passage extending from the female socket to an exterior of the handle, and a cryogen supply tube connected to the female socket at an end of the tube.

08-05-2010

20110245821

CRYOPROBE HAVING INTERNAL WARMING FLUID CAPABILITIES - A medical device including elongate probe defining proximal and distal ends and a thermally-transmissive region at its distal end, the elongate probe including a first fluid supply line in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region. A second fluid supply line is provided in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region, the second fluid supply line being connected to the elongate probe separately from the first fluid supply line. An exhaust line in fluid communication with the first and second fluid supply lines.

10-06-2011

20150080870

BALLOON CATHETER WITH DEFORMABLE FLUID DELIVERY CONDUIT - A medical device, including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft at least partially disposed within the elongate body; an expandable element at the distal portion of the elongate body; and a fluid delivery conduit defining a deflectable segment movably coupled to the shaft, the deflectable segment being transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curvilinear configuration.

03-19-2015

20130324988

ERODIBLE EMBOLIZATION MATERIAL FOR TARGETED TUMOR CRYOABLATION - A method of cryoablating diseased tissue is provided. The method includes providing an embolization agent. The embolization agent includes an inner core made of a first material. The inner core has a diameter less than a diameter of an opening of a target vessel. The embolization agent further includes an erodible outer shell made of a second embolization material encompassing the inner core. The erodible outer shell has an initial diameter greater than the diameter of the opening to occlude the target vessel. The method further includes occluding the opening of the target vessel with the embolization agent to reduce blood flow in the diseased tissue. The method further includes cryoablating the diseased tissue with a cryoablation probe while the target vessel is occluded by the embolization agent.

12-05-2013

20150066007

NEUROMODULATION CATHETERS WITH NERVE MONITORING FEATURES FOR TRANSMITTING DIGITAL NEURAL SIGNALS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Neuromodulation catheters with nerve monitoring features for transmitting digital neural signals and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A neuromodulation catheter configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a handle and an elongated shaft attached to the handle. The shaft can have a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to be moved within a lumen of a blood vessel of a human patient. The neuromodulation catheter can further include an array of contacts at the distal portion of the shaft and a digitizer at the handle or the shaft. The contacts can be configured to detect analog neural signals from within the blood vessel. The digitizer can be configured to receive the analog neural signals from the contacts, digitize the analog neural signals into digital neural signals, and transmit the digital neural signals to a read/write module external to the patient.

03-05-2015

20140276699

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE - Ablation devices comprising a probe or needle useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The probe comprises at least two prongs spaced apart and parallel to each other. The at least two prongs each having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an internal passage disposed in the interior surface of the at least two prongs. A filament is disposed in the internal passage of the at least two prongs that has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the at least two prongs so as to cool the exterior surface of the at least two prongs to a temperature configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

09-18-2014

20100198203

ISOLATION OF PULMONARY VEIN - The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for the improved isolation and corresponding treatment of tissue targeted for cryogenic or other thermal therapy to increase the thermal efficacy and thermal efficiency of the treatment. In particular, the present invention provides methods and systems for improved thermal treatment of target tissue, such as a pulmonary vein and/or regions of the left atrium by reducing the resistive forces and/or increased thermal energy experienced from blood flow exiting the pulmonary vein into the left atrium during treatment.

08-05-2010

20140276706

Therapeutic Cryoablation System - A cryoablation system has a gas source which provides a working nitrogen gas at room temperature and at a constant set pressure, a liquid generator which is coupled to the gas source to receive the working gas, and which then generates a working cryogen fluid, and a catheter coupled to the liquid generator for receiving the working cryogen, the catheter having a distal section having a freezing element which delivers the working cryogen to a treatment location, the catheter also having a balloon positioned adjacent the distal section.

09-18-2014

20100191231

EMPLOYING A SECONDARY SHEATH WITH AN ABLATION CATHETER - A method of performing a catheter-based procedure can include introducing a delivery sheath inside a patient's body and advancing a secondary sheath through the delivery sheath, toward a treatment site inside the patient's body. The secondary sheath can be distinct from the delivery sheath, coaxial to the delivery sheath along at least a portion of a length of the delivery sheath, and can have a default linear shape that is substantially free of radial bias. The method can further include introducing a catheter through the delivery sheath and secondary sheath, to the treatment site, and performing a procedure at the treatment site with the catheter. Performing the procedure can include performing the procedure while maintaining at a relatively fixed position the secondary sheath.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING TISSUES DURING CRYOABLATION - An apparatus and method for protecting the neurovascular bundle during cryoablation of tissues of the prostate by heating the vicinity of the neurovascular bundle while cooling pathological tissues of a prostate to cryoablation temperatures, thereby cryoablating pathological tissues while protecting the neurovascular bundle from damage. A cryoprobe operable to cool a distal operating tip while heating a proximal shaft is presented.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CRYOADHESION - A method and system for continuously delivering cryotreatment to a treatment device. In one embodiment, the system may include a first PID circuit in the fluid delivery line and a second PID circuit in the fluid return line, and the first and second PID circuits may operate simultaneously to continuously provide coolant to a cryotreatment device during the inflation phase, ablation phase, and warming (or thawing) phase while providing for temperature adjustment. Alternatively, the system may include a bypass line by which coolant may bypass the subcooler system and be delivered to the cryotreatment device at non-ablation temperatures during the inflation phase. During the ablation phase, coolant may flow through the subcooler system.

09-18-2014

20100198207

SUBDERMAL CRYOGENIC REMODELING OF MUSCLES, NERVES, CONNECTIVE TISSUE, AND/OR ADIPOSE TISSUE (FAT) - Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.

08-05-2010

20100198205

Low Pressure Liquid Nitrogen Cryosurgical System - A cryosurgical system using a low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply, which requires only 0.5 to 1 bar of pressure to provide adequate cooling power for treatment of typical breast lesions. The pressure may be provided by supplying lightly pressurized air into the dewar, by heating a small portion of the nitrogen in the dewar, or with a small low pressure pump.

08-05-2010

20100198204

MEDICAL DEVICES INCORPORATING THERMOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER AND CONTROLLER - A temperature control system may include a thermoelectric device, a controller electrically coupled to the thermoelectric device, a heat transfer structure thermally coupled to the thermoelectric device, and a temperature controlled medium thermally coupled to the thermoelectric device. The controller may be configured to sense a first value of an electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device and to generate a first electrical control signal to pump heat through the thermoelectric device in response to sensing the first value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device. The controller may be further configured to sense a second value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device and to generate a second electrical control signal to pump heat through the thermoelectric device in response to sensing the second value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device.

08-05-2010

20100286677

CRYOSURGICAL CATHETER - A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

11-11-2010

20130289550

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CRYOGENICALLY ABLATING TISSUE AND ADJUSTING CRYOGENIC ABLATION REGIONS - Apparatus and methods for performing cryogenic ablation of tissue and adjusting the size and/or location of a cryogenic cooling region. A cooling assembly may include tubes for dispensing and exhausting a coolant or refrigerant. One or both of the tubes may be moved, e.g., slidably adjusted, in order to adjust the location or size of a cryogenic ablation region. The cooling assembly may be integrated into cryogenic ablation devices including a cryogenic balloon device that includes an inner inflatable balloon and another balloon that is at least partially wrapped around the inner balloon and carries refrigerant for performing cryo-ablation. Electrodes permit electrical mapping of tissue before or after cryo-ablation to verify success of the procedure.

10-31-2013

20100286676

CRYOSURGICAL CATHETER - A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member.

11-11-2010

20100241114

CRYOGENIC PROBE - A cryogenic probe for ablating cardiac tissue is provided comprising a handle piece and an elongated probe tube extending from the handle that terminates in a malleable end effector closed at its distal end and having a smooth outer surface. A semi-rigid insulative sleeve extends from the handle and overlies the proximal portion of the probe tube. An internal support preferably in the form of a coiled spring is located interior of the probe tube for supporting the interior surface of the probe tube. A plurality of cryogenic fluid supply tubes are disposed on the interior of the probe tube for introducing cryogenic fluid to the probe tube, each supply tube having an outlet orifice, with the outlet orifices being staggered along the length of the probe tube. In one embodiment, the probe tube is axially movable relative to the sleeve/handle between retracted and extended positions. Also, the probe tube may be provided with a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the surface of the probe tube.

09-23-2010

20100241113

PROTECTING THE PHRENIC NERVE WHILE ABLATING CARDIAC TISSUE - In some implementations, a cryotherapy delivery system includes a cryotherapy catheter having a distal treatment component that delivers, during a cryotherapy procedure, cryotherapy to a treatment site inside a patient's body; a controller that controls the delivery of the cryotherapy during the cryotherapy procedure; and a sensor that measures values of a respiration parameter of the patient during the cryotherapy procedure, and provides measured values to the controller. The controller can determine, prior to delivery of cryotherapy, a baseline value for the respiration parameter; detect, during delivery of the cryotherapy, a change in the respiration parameter relative to the baseline value; and suspend delivery of the cryotherapy when the change exceeds a threshold.

09-23-2010

20100241112

SYSTEMS APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTING COOLANT WITHIN A CRYO-ABLATION DEVICE - Systems, apparatus and methods for dispersing a coolant along different portions of a supply tube of a cryo-ablation device which may be in the form of a linear ablation device or catheter probe or a balloon catheter. A supply tube includes multiple tubes that are in fluid communication with an inner space of a transmissive region or an inner space of an inflatable balloon. The tubes are coaxially arranged and extend to different lengths or to different locations such that the coolant is dispersed from different tubes at different axial locations. Annular apertures are defined by pairs of tubes and have different sizes. The tubes and arrangement thereof are structured to provide uniform or substantially uniform coolant distribution to provide uniform or substantially uniform cryo-ablation of surrounding tissue.

09-23-2010

20140066914

CRYOTREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS OF FORMING CONDUCTION BLOCKS - Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

03-06-2014

20100324545

Hypothermia for Improving Rate of Functional Recovery Following Pelvic Surgeries - Hypothermia significantly improves the rate of recovery of function following abdominal surgery-particularly radical prostatectomy. Prior to commencing surgery the tissues at and surrounding the site of the surgery are cooled by means of an endorectal cooling balloon inserted into the patient's rectum. The uninflated balloon is inserted and then inflated with cooling fluid which fluid is constantly circulated in and out to lower the temperature. Improved hypothermia can be achieved by bathing internal tissue with chilled water or buffer. Limitation of surgically induced damage can be demonstrated by the more rapid regain of continence in radical prostatectomy patients treated with hypothermia during surgery.

12-23-2010

20130296837

CYROGENIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

11-07-2013

20140350535

Cryotherapy Device And Method For The Treatment Of Cervical Precancerous Lesions - A device for providing a cryotherapy ablation treatment includes a piping assembly and a snow horn adapted to create a spray of snow from a pressurized source of a low-temperature liquid, a tubular applicator for collecting a mass of snow at a prescribed density that is sufficient to allow the mass to serve as the needed, low temperature, thermal reservoir for the device after the applicator's distal end has been disconnected from the snow horn end so that it can to be used during the treatment process, and an applicator tip adapted to allow it to connect to the applicator's distal end and be used to treat those specific locations which are to receive this treatment.

11-27-2014

20140276705

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE HAVING RELEASE INSTRUMENT - Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe comprising an interior surface that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A release instrument is provided comprising a sheath that comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe. The probe tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue by forming an ice ball and the release instrument is configured to release the probe tip from the ice ball. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

09-18-2014

20140276703

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE FOR TREATING PAIN - Ablation kits useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe having an exterior and an interior. The exterior comprises a tip and the interior defines a passage having a filament and insulation disposed therein. The filament has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior of the probe so as to cool the tip to a selected temperature to ablate nerve and/or soft tissue. A bone piercing instrument is provided that is configured to pierce bone so as to allow entry of the probe into the bone. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

09-18-2014

20120143177

Catheter Systems for Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation - A plurality of catheter-based ablation apparatus embodiments are provided that address several areas of atrial target tissue and which feature firm and consistent ablation element to tissue contact enabling the creation of effective continuous lesions.

06-07-2012

20120310226

CRYOGENIC BALLOON ABLATION INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS - A cryogenic tissue ablation instrument includes an elongate flexible body with a proximal supply port for coupling with a pressurized coolant, a supply lumen in communication with the proximal supply port, and an expandable balloon carried on the elongate body. A dispersion member coupled to the elongate body has an interior lumen in communication with the supply lumen, the dispersion member having one or more coolant dispersion apertures sized and located such that a pressurized flowable coolant will enter the balloon interior in the form of a liquid spray that contacts and provides substantially uniform cooling of the balloon.

12-06-2012

20140039476

Therapeutic Cryoablation System - A cryoablation system has a gas source which provides a working gas at room temperature and at a constant set pressure. The system also includes a liquid generator which is coupled to the gas source to receive the working gas, and which then generates a working cryogen fluid in a liquid phase that operates at a temperature and pressure that lies on its Joule-Thomson Inversion Curve, with the Joule-Thomson coefficient maintained within the range 0.00±0.08 degrees F./Atmosphere. The system also includes a catheter coupled to the liquid generator for receiving the working cryogen, the catheter having a distal section which delivers the working cryogen to a treatment location.

02-06-2014

20130090638

Flexible Cryoneedle Apparatus and Method - A flexible cryoneedle usable within a medical scope that is both substantially flexible for maneuvering and positioning a distal end thereof proximate to a soft tissue and substantially rigid for penetrating the tissue. A generally concentric cryogas supply tube within the flexible cryoneedle comprises a helical heat exchange surface on an outside surface thereof, wherein the helical heat exchange surface defines a helical exhaust passage for the cryogas entering the cryogas supply tube and expanding through a Joule-Thomson orifice into an expansion chamber at the distal end of the flexible cryoneedle.

04-11-2013

20090299357

CRYONEEDLE AND CRYOTHERAPHY SYSTEM - A device and system for cryogenically treating tissue having an external cryoneedle including an outer housing having a proximal end, a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal end. The proximal portion of the outer housing is coated with a first material and the distal portion of the outer housing is coated with a second material. The distal end is sealed with a third material. The first material has different temperature conductive properties than the second and third materials. An internal cryoneedle having a first and second end is axially disposed within the external cryoneedle. The first end of the internal cryoneedle is in communication with the sealed distal end of the external cryoneedle and the second end of the internal cryoneedle being in fluid communication with a cryogen source.

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING AN ULTRASONIC SIGNAL - An ultrasonic actuator comprises a miniature ultrasonic transducer powered by electromagnetic radiation. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a housing defining a chamber. A liquid mass oscillates within the chamber at a frequency within the ultrasonic range. To cause this oscillation, a source of electromagnetic radiation energizes the liquid mass by exposing a portion of the liquid mass to electromagnetic radiation. The source of electromagnetic radiation thus drives the liquid mass at a frequency within the ultrasonic range.

CRYOSURGERY SYSTEM - An improved cryosurgical system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module, a suction module and an electronics module, all packaged in a mobile cart, and a disposable spray kit. Improved features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks (improved sensors, control systems, and control algorithms), an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and improved catheter design.

09-05-2013

20110092967

DEFLATION MECHANISM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - A method and system for delivering coolant to a medical device having an expandable element, a guidewire lumen movable within the medical device, and an actuator element coupled to the guidewire lumen for manipulation of longitudinal movement thereof is provided, including transferring a fluid from a console to the medical device to inflate the expandable element; manipulating the actuator element, and initiating a predetermined fluid control sequence of the console in response to the manipulation of the actuator element.

04-21-2011

20140358135

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING PHONOMYOGRAPHY TO PREVENT NERVE DAMAGE DURING A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - A method and system for preventing phrenic nerve injury during a cardiac ablation procedure. The method generally includes stimulating a phrenic nerve with a pacing electrode at a location proximate a target treatment location, ablating tissue at the target treatment location with a treatment element, obtaining a heart audio signal with an audio sensor positioned proximate the target treatment location, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) is present based as least in part on the obtained heart audio signal. A processor may be used to compare an amplitude of the obtained heart audio signal to a predetermined threshold amplitude. The processor may determine that PNS is present if the amplitude of the obtained audio signal is greater than the threshold amplitude. If PNS is present, ablation of the tissue may continue at the current or greater energy level and/or at the current treatment location without injuring the phrenic nerve.

12-04-2014

20090326526

Methods and devices for monitoring tissue ablation - A method, system, and device for detecting whether an expandable member completely occludes an anatomic passageway allows a user, such as a physician, clinician, or surgeon, to perform a medical procedure more efficiently and increases the procedure's chances of success. An incomplete occlusion can be immediately detected by monitoring the pressure difference across the expandable member. Through this method, a user can quickly diagnose the problem and reposition the expandable member in the anatomic passageway. In particular, in a cryoablation procedure, devices incorporating this method can help ensure a uniform and complete lesion in the pulmonary vein to electrically isolate the pulmonary vein from the atrium, thus preventing atrial fibrillation.

12-31-2009

20100100088

CRYOSURGICAL PROBE WITH ADJUSTABLE SLIDING APPARATUS - A cryosurgical probe assembly that includes a gas delivery assembly, including a stem and a fluid conduit subassembly bonded to the stem. The fluid conduit subassembly delivers and returns cooling fluid used for cryogenic cooling. The fluid conduit subassembly, comprises a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation; a housing securely connected to said shaft; and, an insulation element slideably engaged with an inner surface of the shaft and slideably engaged with the stem. The cryosurgical probe assembly includes an adjustable sliding apparatus that includes a slider assembly securely attached to said insulation tube for slideably guiding the insulation tube along said shaft; and, a button assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to actuate the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation tube relative to the shaft. A handle assembly is positioned about the housing.

04-22-2010

20100152722

Cryoprobe with reduced adhesion to frozen tisssue - The present invention relates to devices and methods for cryosurgery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cryoprobe which does not form strong adhesive or mechanical bonds with body tissues when such tissues are frozen by cooling action of the probe. Embodiments of the present invention include a cryoprobe having a distal cooling module with an outer surface layer of non-polar molecules, a probe having a distal cooling module with a microscopically smooth outer surface, a cryoprobe comprising a mechanism for coating a distal cooling module thereof with non-polar lubricant during movement of the cryoprobe within body tissues of a patient, and a non-cooling cryosurgery probe with non-adhesive features. Also presented are methods utilizing disclosed cryoprobes to facilitate cryosurgery and to enhance accuracy of cryoablation of user-selected cryoablation targets.

06-17-2010

20140257261

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING MEDICAL ABLATION SYSTEMS HAVING MAPPING CATHETERS WITH IMPROVED ANCHORING ABILITY - A mapping catheter includes an elongated body for inserting into patient vasculature. A distal end of the elongated body includes a distal portion that includes a plurality of electrodes, a proximal portion disposed proximal to the distal portion, and a reduced-dimension portion disposed between the proximal and distal portions. The distal end is formed, at least in part, from a memory shape material that bends into a preformed shape upon release from a confined space. The preformed shape includes a first loop formed, at least in part, by the distal portion. The first loop is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The reduced-dimension portion is configured and arranged to bend such that the reduced-dimension section advances distally through the first loop when the first loop is held in a fixed position and a force is applied distally along the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion.

09-11-2014

20150335373

INTEGRITY TESTING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING VAPOR TO THE UTERUS - A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.

11-26-2015

20100137853

CRYOGENIC DEVICE FOR SURGICAL USE - The disclosure relates to a cryogenic device for surgical use, which can be used to cool an area of the body and includes: a cryogenic gas supply conduit and a discharge conduit, an end piece comprising a metal tip intended to be brought into contact with the area to be cooled and a gas release chamber and a gas injection nozzle connected to the supply conduit at the one end and opening into the chamber in the direction of the metal tip at the other end. The supply conduit and the discharge conduit are formed in a common flexible extruded tube that is inserted into the end piece.

06-03-2010

20130197497

BALLOON CATHETER - A medical device including a catheter body defining a proximal portion and a distal portion. An expandable element is included defining a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the distal portion of the catheter body. A tip element coupled to the distal end of the expandable element is included, the tip element including a shaft slideably receivable within a portion of the catheter body. A tensioning element coupled to the shaft and disposed within the expandable element is included, the tensioning element being engageable with the distal end of the catheter body and biasing the expandable element toward a pre-determined longitudinal position. An electrode array defining a substantially closed loop affixed to and extending from the tip element is also included.

08-01-2013

20100179527

Controlling Depth of Cryoablation - A method of performing cryotherapy on a patient can include positioning an outer surface of a distal portion of a cryotherapy catheter in contact with body tissue to be treated; performing a treatment phase, including regulating a temperature of the outer surface at a treatment value for a first period of time; performing a recovery phase comprising allowing the temperature of the outer surface to warm up to a recovery value that is higher than treatment value but substantially lower than a normal body temperature of the patient; and performing one or more additional treatment phases for a second period of time. Each of the first and second periods of time can be selected to allow a cold front having a cold front temperature to propagate from the outer surface and through a therapeutic portion of a thickness of the body tissue, but not substantially beyond the thickness.

07-15-2010

20130172866

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INFLATING AND DEFLATING BALLOON CATHETERS - A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.

07-04-2013

20100030204

INTRA-ATRIAL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - An intra-atrial ablation therapy apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a balloon adapted for intra-atrial inflation to fill at least part of the atrium, the balloon being adapted to permit a flow of blood from a pulmonary vein to a mitral valve when inflated in the atrium. The apparatus further comprises an inflation lumen being in fluid communication with the balloon and adapted for conducting an inflation fluid to the balloon. The apparatus also comprises an ablation tool connected to the catheter.

NEUROMODULATION CRYOTHERAPEUTIC DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.

05-24-2012

20120101485

BALLOON CATHETER WITH DEFORMABLE FLUID DELIVERY CONDUIT - A medical device, including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft at least partially disposed within the elongate body; an expandable element at the distal portion of the elongate body; and a fluid delivery conduit defining a deflectable segment movably coupled to the shaft, the deflectable segment being transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curvilinear configuration.

04-26-2012

20140200567

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - Apparatus, systems and methods for creation of ablation lesions for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. A method for creating a maze of lesions to isolate macro re-entrant circuits. An ablation catheter with at least one ablation surface at its distal end. A flexible ablation probe with at least one ablation surface at its distal end. A clamp with opposing jaws having at least one jaw with an ablation surface, optionally including temperature sensing.

07-17-2014

20100204687

MESH LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention provides a surgical device including an elongate body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. An expandable element may be coupled to the elongate body and placed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. Moreover, the surgical device may include a first leak detection element at least partially surrounding a portion of the expandable element, and a second leak detection element may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. In addition, a console may be provided, where the console may be in communication with the first and second leak detection elements. Further, a supply of cryogenic fluid as well as a vacuum source may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

08-12-2010

20110245822

DEFLECTABLE SHEATH CATHETERS - The present invention provides devices and methods for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. In one embodiment a deflectable sheath catheter includes an elongate catheter body having proximal and distal ends, the distal end having a distal tip region that includes a plurality of flexible segments with varying degrees of stiffness. A handle portion can be located at the proximal end of the catheter body to provide a steering mechanism that causes the distal tip region to deflect according to a compound curve.

10-06-2011

20150342660

CRYOGENIC KYPHOPLASTY INSTRUMENT AND METHODS OF USE - A surgical instrument includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is disposed within the passageway and defines a lumen. An expandable structure has a first end coupled to a second end of the outer shaft and a second end coupled to a second end of the inner shaft. The expandable member defines a chamber. A delivery shaft includes a first end positioned within the passageway and a second end positioned within the chamber. The delivery shaft defines a channel configured to deliver a coolant out of an opening in the second end of the delivery shaft and into the chamber to move the expandable structure from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. A variable exhaust valve is in communication with the passageway and is configured to regulate pressure within the chamber. Systems and methods are disclosed.

12-03-2015

20100234838

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RETRACTING A CATHETER BALLOON - A balloon elongation apparatus includes an elongated hypotube with a distal end having a reduced inner diameter portion that is configured to radially expand when a mandrel is advanced through a lumen of the hypotube towards the reduced inner diameter portion. A medical kit includes a catheter having a distally-located balloon and the elongation apparatus disposed within a guide wire tube of the catheter. In use, the balloon is elongated following a procedure in order to facilitate retracting the balloon into a sheath. The balloon is elongated by first advancing the mandrel relative to the hypotube so that the hypotube radially expands and firmly engages an inner surface of the guide wire tube and then advancing the mandrel, hypotube, and distal end of the guide wire tube relative to the catheter body.

09-16-2010

20150119868

FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR CRYOABLATION OF CARDIAC TISSUE - A method and system for providing lesion depth feedback during an ablation procedure. In particular, the method and system provide feedback data or information relating to lesion depth in myocardial tissue during a cryoablation procedure. A plurality of tissue temperature measurements may be transmitted from a plurality of thermocouples disposed on a cryotreatment element, which measurements may be used to determine a slope of change in temperature sensed by each thermocouple over time. The circulation of coolant through the treatment element may be adjusted when the slope changes. A change in slope may indicate that the cryoablation temperatures have passed through target myocardial tissue into non-target, non-myocardial tissue, which may result in collateral damage to structures near the heart.

04-30-2015

20130289549

SHAFTS WITH PRESSURE RELIEF IN CRYOTHERAPEUTIC CATHETERS AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Cryotherapeutic systems with features that can facilitate pressure relief in the event of exhaust-passage blockage and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment can include an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a pressure-relief portion proximal to the distal portion. The cryotherapeutic system can further include a supply lumen, an exhaust passage, and a balloon configured to receive refrigerant from the supply lumen and to exhaust refrigerant to the exhaust passage. The pressure-relief portion can be configured to release refrigerant from the exhaust passage when a pressure of refrigerant in the exhaust passage exceeds a threshold pressure less than a pressure rating of the balloon. The pressure-relief portion, for example, can include a rupture element configured to rupture at about the threshold pressure.

10-31-2013

20100130970

Cryogenic Ablation System and Method - A device for treating esophageal target tissue comprises a catheter, a balloon and a refrigerant delivery device. The catheter has a distal portion and a refrigerant delivery lumen. The balloon is mounted to and the refrigerant delivery device is coupled to the distal portion. The refrigerant delivery device comprises a chamber with the refrigerant delivery lumen opening into the chamber, a refrigerant delivery opening fluidly coupled to the balloon interior, and a distribution passageway fluidly coupling the chamber and the refrigerant delivery opening. A refrigerant is deliverable through the refrigerant delivery lumen, into the chamber, through the distribution passageway, through the refrigerant delivery opening and into the balloon interior so to place the balloon into an expanded, cooled state so that the balloon can press against and cool esophageal target tissue. The medical device may include means for sensing a leak in the balloon.

05-27-2010

20110028961

EMERGENCY PRESERVATION AND RESUSCITATION METHODS - Provided are methods for inducing preservation in a patient and resuscitating that patient. At least three hours of preservation, with successful resuscitation, are realized using the methods described herein. The methods involve flushing a patient with an oxygenated, cold-flush solution, such as normal saline, having an energy source. The patient may be cooled to deep or profound hypothermia to induce preservation. The patient may be resuscitated by warming to from about 33° C. to about 36° C., and then may be slowly warmed over a 24 to 72 hour period to normothermia. Kits for inducing preservation also are provided.

02-03-2011

20140330262

DIAGNOSTIC GUIDEWIRE FOR CRYOABLATION SENSING AND PRESSURE MONITORING - A method and system for performing pulmonary vein isolation, mapping, and assessing pulmonary vein occlusion using a single device. The device may generally include an ablation element, such as a cryoballoon, and a sensing component slidably disposed within a lumen of the device and bearing one or more mapping electrodes and one or more pressure sensors. The method may generally include mapping cardiac electrical signals within a heart and/or pulmonary vein, positioning a distal portion of the sensing component within a pulmonary vein, advancing the ablation element until it is in contact with the pulmonary vein ostium, recording blood pressure measurements within the pulmonary vein with the one or more pressure sensors to assess pulmonary vein occlusion, and activating the treatment element when the pulmonary vein is completely occluded. The sensing component may have a straight or hooped configuration, or a configuration therebetween.

Actuation system and actuation method - An actuation system is disclosed for actuating an ablation instrument for an ablation process in a tissue volume. In at least one embodiment, the actuation system includes: an input interface for image data of the tissue volume; an identification unit for identifying a target tissue using the image data; a model production unit for producing process models and/or refined fine process models of expected ablation developments, which is linked to a value derivation unit for deriving model measured values from a process model and/or to a value determination unit for determining measured values representing the ablation progress; a command derivation unit for deriving control commands on the basis of process models and/or for deriving refined control commands on the basis of fine process models; a comparator for comparing measured values and an instrument interface for transmitting control commands and/or refined control commands to the ablation instrument. In at least one embodiment, the invention also relates to an actuation method.

04-22-2010

20140221991

CRYOTHERAPY PROBE - A method of cooling a material including the steps of (i) providing a cryotherapy instrument, (ii) positioning a portion of the cryotherapy instrument adjacent the material to be cooled, and (iii) circulating a cryogenic fluid through the cryotherapy instrument under physical conditions near a critical point of a liquid-vapor system for the cryogenic fluid. The critical point defines a point in a phase diagram of the liquid-vapor system where molar volumes are substantially equivalent for liquid and gas, whereby vapor lock associated with cooling of the cryotherapy instrument is avoided.

08-07-2014

20110034912

SYSTEMS,METHODS, AND DEVICES HAVING STRETCHABLE INTEGRATED CIRCUITRY FOR SENSING AND DELIVERING THERAPY - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure.

02-10-2011

20100016847

CRYOSURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR SEPARATING A TISSUE SAMPLE FROM SURROUNDING TISSUE OF A BIOLOGICAL TISSUE THAT IS TO BE TREATED - The invention relates to a cryosurgical instrument and a method for separating a tissue sample from surrounding tissue of a biological tissue that is to be treated. The cryosurgical instrument comprises a probe for guiding a probe head on to a biological tissue to be treated, and gas conduits for delivering coolant gas, wherein the probe head is designed in such a way that, in order to collect a tissue sample, a limited region of the tissue can be cooled by means of the gas delivered and can be separated from the surrounding tissue in a state in which it is frozen on the probe head. The instrument is intended to permit reliable removal of a tissue sample without damaging the tissue and to ensure a high degree of safety for the patient. To this end, the instrument has a support means in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be counter-supported during separation of the tissue sample. The corresponding method carried out by means of the cryosurgical instrument involves separation of a tissue sample from surrounding tissue of a biological tissue to be treated.

01-21-2010

20160038213

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONSISTENT, REPEATABLE, AND SAFE CRYOSPRAY TREATMENT OF AIRWAY TISSUE - A method and system for automated and semi-automated predictable, consistent, safe, effective, and lumen-specific and patient-specific cryospray treatment of airway tissue in which treatment duration is automatically set by the system following entry of patient information and treatment location information into the system by the user, and treatment spray is automatically stopped by the system when the automatically selected treatment duration has been achieved as determined by the system.

02-11-2016

20160038212

Cryoablation Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods for Renal Neuromodulation - Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for cryogenically modulating neural structures of the renal plexus by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a cryo-applicator to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Cryogenic renal neuromodulation may be achieved via application of cryogenic temperatures to modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

02-11-2016

20100076421

Nucleation Enhanced Surface Modification to Support Physical Vapor Deposition to Create a Vacuum - The device of the invention takes the form of a catheter/probe and is a closed loop system in which cryogen is delivered along the length of the catheter/probe to the tip where freezing occurs, and then is recirculated. The device is a tube within a tube and comprises a number of parts including supply and return tubes (internal tubes), outer sheath (external tube) sealed to the inner tubes at one or both ends with a gas filled lumen between the internal and external tubes. The lumen of the external tube is filled with a saturated gas which solidifies upon cooling, thereby creating a vacuum along the length of the catheter and providing for insulation between the inner and outer tubes, and preventing freezing along the length of the probe shaft. Further, the outside surface of the internal tubes is modified to potentiate gas nucleation on the outer surfaces of the internal tubes when cooled. At the tip of the probe shaft, the internal tubes come into contact with the outer tube to create a defined region of ultra cold temperatures to cool and freeze the target tissue region. The catheter is designed to carry liquid cryogen under various pressures as well as liquid cryogens of varying temperatures. As such, a temperature initiated transient vacuum insulation along the length of a catheter has been described for the delivery of cryogen for targeted thermal therapy. Furthermore, the device has been developed to couple the temperature initiated vacuum with that of a surface modification along the inner tubes to enable enhanced nucleation and deposition of the saturated gas on the surface of the inner tubes and create an additional layer of insulation.

03-25-2010

20110313410

CRYOGENIC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH THERMAL GUARD AND METHOD - A medical device, system and method are provided for thermal medical treatment. A medical device for cryogenic treatment may include a tip and a thermal guard or shield. The tip may be at a distal end of a catheter shaft, having a distal surface and lateral surfaces. The thermal guard may be coupled to the catheter proximal of the distal tip, surrounding the longitudinal axis and exposing the distal surface, to resist heat transfer from body fluids to the lateral surfaces of the tip. An efficiency of heat transfer from selected tissue to be treated to the distal surface of the cryogenic tip is thereby increased.

12-22-2011

20100106148

Cryosurgical Fluid Supply - Improved systems, devices, and methods for delivering cryogenic cooling fluid to cryosurgical probes such as cryosurgical endovascular balloon catheters take advantage of the transients during the initiation and termination of cryogenic fluid flow to moderate the treatment temperatures of tissues engaged by the probe. A flow limiting element along a cryogenic fluid path intermittently interrupts the flow of cooling fluid, often cycling both the fluid flow and treatment temperature. This can maintain the tissue treatment temperature within a predetermined range which is above the treatment temperature provided by a steady flow of cryogenic fluid. In another aspect, room temperature single-use cooling fluid cartridges are filled with a sufficient quantity of cryosurgical fluid to effect a desired endovascular cryosurgical treatment.

04-29-2010

20150126985

CRYOGENIC BALLOON ABLATION SYSTEM - A cryogenic ablation catheter includes a catheter shaft, a balloon and a connector respectively at the catheter shaft proximal and distal ends, a refrigerant delivery tube assembly including a refrigerant delivery tube rotatable within the catheter shaft lumen, and a refrigerant delivery element with an outlet located inside the balloon which directs refrigerant outwardly against the balloon at different rotary positions as it rotates. A cryogenic balloon ablation system includes the cryogenic ablation catheter, a catheter coupler mating with the connector, a motor including a rotatable hollow motor shaft, and a delivery line fluidly coupled to a cryogenic gas source for supplying cryogenic gas to the refrigerant delivery tube. At least one of the refrigerant delivery tube and the delivery line passes at least partway through the hollow motor shaft. The coupling tip of the connector and the refrigerant delivery tube rotate with the motor shaft.

05-07-2015

20130060242

ISOTHERM-BASED TISSUE ABLATION CONTROL METHOD - A system and method for use with at least one cryoprobe for the treatment of biological tissue controls the energy applied to the tissue. The invention receives live procedure data such as temperature information from locations along the pathway of the cryogenic liquids, and calculates a procedure signature or profile based on the procedure data. In one embodiment, volumetric isotherms are calculated. The procedure signature is compared to a planning signature based on previously acquired image data and estimates of the thermal gradients from models. The system and method are further configured to automatically regulate the application of power based on analysis of the planning data to the procedure data.

03-07-2013

20120136343

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF A BODY CAVITY OR LUMEN - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled or room temperature fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

05-31-2012

20140276708

Methods and Systems for Treatment of Spasticity - A system for alleviating spasticity of a skeletal muscle having an associated motor nerve. The system may include a needle probe having at least one needle. The at least one needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a needle lumen therebetween. The needle is configured for insertion proximate to the nerve. A cooling fluid supply lumen can extend distally within the needle lumen to a distal portion of the needle lumen. A cooling fluid source is couplable to the cooling fluid supply lumen to direct cooling fluid flow into the needle lumen. A controller having at least one processor configured to implement a spasticity treatment algorithm for controlling the cooling fluid source so that liquid from the cooling flow vaporizes within the needle lumen to provide a treatment phase to the motor nerve such spasticity of the skeletal muscle is mitigated.

09-18-2014

20140276707

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING EVOKED COMPOUND ACTION POTENTIALS TO MINIMIZE VESSEL TRAUMA DURING NERVE ABLATION - A therapy system for use with a patient and a method of treating a medical condition of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to a stimulation site on the wall of a blood vessel, thereby evoking at least one compound action potential in a nerve branch associated with the blood vessel. The evoked compound action potential(s) is sensed at a sensing site on the wall of the blood vessel. A circumferential location of the nerve branch is identified as being adjacent one of the stimulation site and the sensing site based on the sensed compound action potential(s). Ablation energy is delivered to an ablation site on the wall of the blood vessel adjacent the circumferential location of the nerve branch, thereby ablating the nerve branch and treating the medical condition.

09-18-2014

20140276704

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE - Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe comprising an outer tube having an exterior surface comprising a tip and an interior surface that defines an internal passage. An inner tube is disposed within the outer tube and comprises an interior surface that defines an internal passage having a filament disposed therein. The filament has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the outer tube to a selected temperature. Disposal of the inner tube within the internal passage of the outer tube produces an air gap that surrounds the exterior surface of the inner tube, and the tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

09-18-2014

20140276701

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE - Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and/or soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe having an interior surface that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. An introducer is provided having an interior surface configured for engagement with the exterior surface of the probe. This engagement produces an air gap that surrounds the exterior surface of the probe to form a seal, and an exterior surface comprising an opening configured for engagement with the exterior surface of the probe is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

09-18-2014

20130197499

BALLOON DESIGN TO ENHANCE COOLING UNIFORMITY - A device, system, and method for enhancing cooling uniformity and efficiency of cryogenic fluids and providing a treatment element the shape of which can be adjusted for multiple purposes. The device may include a balloon catheter and fluid dispersion element, the fluid dispersion element directing the flow of coolant from a fluid injection element the interior wall of the balloon. The method of changing the shape of the treatment element may include retracting and extending a shaft to which the distal neck of a balloon is coupled, so that the balloon goes from a first shape to a second shape.

08-01-2013

20090264876

PROBE, SLEEVE, SYSTEM, METHOD AND KIT FOR PERFORMING PERCUTANEOUS THERMOTHERAPY - A cryosurgical probe that is operative to bring target nerve tissue to a temperature below about −140° C. so as to reduce or eliminate regeneration of the nerve tissue by growing an ice ball. The probe comprises a thermally conductive body, a thermally insulating body and a temperature sensor. The thermally conductive body has a conductive portion adapted to contact the tissue and form an ice ball thereat during use. The thermally insulating body is adjacent to the conductive portion onto which the ice ball forms during use. The temperature sensor is positioned at a predetermined position on the thermally insulating body with respect to the conductive portion. The predetermined position corresponds to a predetermined size of the ice ball grown in the tissue when the sensor reads a predetermined temperature. The insulating body provides sufficient thermal insulation between the conductive body and the surrounding tissue so that the sensor detects freezing of. The surrounding tissue is in contact with the sensor by growth of the ice ball from the conductive portion onto the insulating body. A sleeve for fitting to a probe and a kit comprising at least two sleeves or two probes, each having one sensor but positioned at different locations is also disclosed. Furthermore, a system using a controller for shutting down a cooling of the probe and methods for performing percutaneous thermotherapy by fitting a sleeve on a probe or by shutting down the cooling of the probe are also disclosed.

10-22-2009

20110270238

Compliant Cryoballoon Apparatus for Denervating Ostia of the Renal Arteries - A cryotherapy balloon catheter includes a compliant cryotherapy balloon comprising a distal balloon section dimensioned for placement within a renal artery and a proximal balloon section dimensioned to abut against an ostium of the renal artery and extend into at least a portion of the abdominal aorta. The compliant balloon has a diameter that varies non-uniformly along a length of the compliant balloon, such that a diameter at the proximal balloon section is larger than a diameter of the distal balloon section. The cryotherapy balloon catheter may be configured to deliver cryogenic therapy to at least the ostium of the renal artery sufficient to irreversibly terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity, such as by causing neurotmesis of renal nerve fibers and ganglia at the ostium of the renal artery.

11-03-2011

20130079761

CRYO-MEDICAL INJECTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - The resorbable cryoprobe device and process is a novel approach for treating localized disease allowing for the precise combined application of freezing temperatures and cytotoxic or cryosensitizing agents within a self-contained matrix/package for optimized tissue destruction. The cryopellet is comprised of a list of components including a source of cryogen to produce the sub-zero temperatures, a porous matrix to contain the cytotoxic agent, cytotoxic agent, and a delivery packet. Data presented herein demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in destroying cancerous tissue. For example, the application of freezing temperatures to −10° C. results in approximately 15% cell death, while exposure to cytotoxic agents such as TRAIL produces minimal cell death. The utilization of the cryopellet approach results in a synergistic effect yielding complete cell death at the same temperature. The innovation behind the resorbable probe application includes the strategic combination of agents to activate intrinsic or extrinsic cell death responses (including apoptosis and necrosis), unique packaging of the cryogen and cytotoxic agent, and a unique delivery system. The resorbable cryoprobe technology will assist directly in the treatment of cancer, as well as will likely lead to broader application for disease treatment.

03-28-2013

20120016355

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING COOLANT FLOW THROUGH A CATHETER AND AN EXPANSION ELEMENT OF A CRYOABLATION SYSTEM - A cryoablation system includes a catheter for insertion into patient vasculature. The catheter includes a coolant transfer tube configured to receive and transfer coolant from a coolant source to an expansion element coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The expansion element is in fluid communication with the coolant transfer tube and at least one coolant outtake region within the catheter. The coolant outtake region is configured and arranged to receive and transfer coolant from the expansion element to a reduced pressure region. A coolant-flow regulation system is at least partially disposed in the catheter. The coolant-flow regulation system is configured and arranged for regulating a rate of coolant flow within the cryoablation system by providing an adjustable pressure differential along the at least one coolant outtake region. A control module is coupled to the catheter. The control module includes a processor for controlling the coolant-flow regulation system.

01-19-2012

20100179526

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING A COILED COOLANT TRANSFER TUBE FOR A CATHETER OF A CRYOABLATION SYSTEM - A cryoablation catheter assembly includes an expansion element coupled to a distal portion of a catheter that is configured and arranged for insertion into patient vasculature. The catheter includes a guide tube, a coolant transfer tube, and at least one coolant outtake region that each extend along the catheter. The guide tube and the coolant transfer tube extend beyond the distal portion of the catheter. The coolant transfer tube includes a coiled distal that wraps around a portion of the guide tube and defines a plurality of spaced-apart spray apertures. The coolant transfer tube defines a lumen configured and arranged to receive and transfer coolant from a coolant source to the spray apertures. The expansion element is in fluid communication with the at least one coolant outtake region and the plurality of spray apertures.

07-15-2010

20150066006

NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS HAVING NERVE MONITORING ASSEMBLIES AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Neuromodulation systems with nerve monitoring assemblies and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A neuromodulation system configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a generator, a nerve monitoring assembly configured to detect electroneurogram (ENG) signals, and a neuromodulation catheter. The neuromodulation catheter can include an elongated shaft with a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the shaft can include an array of electrodes configured to detect nerve activity from within a blood vessel of a human. The proximal portion of the shaft can include at least one connector that operably couples the electrodes to the generator and to the nerve monitoring assembly.

METHOD FOR TREATING AN ASTHMA ATTACK - An embodiment of the invention includes a method for decreasing resistance to airflow within a bronchial tree of a subject. The method may include the step of moving an intraluminal device along a lumen of an airway of a bronchial tree, where the intraluminal device includes an expandable member and an energy emitter. The method also may include damaging nerves along the airway using the intraluminal device without destroying an inner surface of an airway wall disposed radially between the intraluminal device and the nerves.

09-26-2013

20150088113

CRYOTHERAPEUTIC DEVICES FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Cryotherapeutic devices for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator having a distributor in fluid communication with the supply lumen and a balloon configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the treatment site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.

03-26-2015

20100125266

METHODS AND DEVICES TO TREAT COMPRESSIVE NEUROPATHY AND OTHER DISEASES - Methods, systems and devices for treatment of musculoskeletal tissue may include one or more of stretching, scoring, cutting, and cryogenic cooling of the tissue. Exemplary usage includes the treatment of compressive neuropathy such as in carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis. Other musculoskeletal tissues such as those in the hip, shoulder, and other regions of the body may also be treated.

05-20-2010

20090299356

Regulating internal pressure of a cryotherapy balloon catheter - A method of performing a cryotherapy procedure can include introducing a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site inside a patient's body; regulating, during a first phase of a cryotherapy procedure, flow of cryogenic fluid to and exhaust from a distal balloon portion of the cryotherapy balloon catheter to cause an initial pressure to be maintained inside the distal balloon portion that is sufficiently high to cause an outer wall of the distal balloon portion to be pressed against body tissue at the treatment site; and regulating, during a second phase of the cryotherapy procedure, flow of cryogenic fluid to and exhaust from the distal balloon portion to cause a) a temperature inside the distal balloon portion to reach a value sufficient to deliver therapeutic levels of cryotherapy to the body tissue, and b) a second-phase pressure to be maintained that is within a threshold value of the initial pressure.

12-03-2009

20160135865

DIAGNOSTIC GUIDEWIRE FOR CRYOABLATION SENSING AND PRESSURE MONITORING - A method and system for performing pulmonary vein isolation, mapping, and assessing pulmonary vein occlusion using a single device. The device may generally include an ablation element, such as a cryoballoon, and a sensing component slidably disposed within a lumen of the device and bearing one or more mapping electrodes and one or more pressure sensors. The method may generally include mapping cardiac electrical signals within a heart and/or pulmonary vein, positioning a distal portion of the sensing component within a pulmonary vein, advancing the ablation element until it is in contact with the pulmonary vein ostium, recording blood pressure measurements within the pulmonary vein with the one or more pressure sensors to assess pulmonary vein occlusion, and activating the treatment element when the pulmonary vein is completely occluded. The sensing component may have a straight or hooped configuration, or a configuration therebetween.

05-19-2016

20110054452

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TWISTING AN EXPANSION ELEMENT OF A CRYOABLATION SYSTEM - A cryoablation catheter assembly includes a catheter that defines at least one coolant outtake region and receives a rotatable guide tube and a coolant transfer tube. The coolant transfer tube receives and transfers coolant from a coolant source to a distal end of the coolant transfer tube. An expansion element is coupled to a distal portion of the catheter and defines an inner expansion-element space. The inner expansion-element space is in fluid communication with the at least one coolant outtake region and the distal end of the coolant transfer tube. A distal end of the expansion element couples to the guide tube. A rotation system is coupleable to, or coupled to, a proximal end of the guide tube and rotates the distal end of the expansion element relative to the proximal end of the expansion element by rotating the guide tube relative to the catheter.

03-03-2011

20090248001

Pain management using cryogenic remodeling - Medical devices, systems, and methods for pain management and other applications may apply cooling with at least one probe inserted through an exposed skin surface of skin. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissues so as to effect a desired change in composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior, often to interfere with transmission of pain signals along sensory nerves. Alternative embodiments may interfere with the function of motor nerves, the function of contractile muscles, and/or some other tissue included in the contractile function chain so as to inhibit muscle contraction and thereby alleviate associated pain. In some embodiments, other sources of pain such as components of the spine (optionally including herniated disks) may be treated.

10-01-2009

20110004204

Surgical Instrument and Method for Use Thereof - A surgical instrument for treating a tissue includes a handpiece and a tissue engaging portion arranged to be received by the handpiece. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaw members having an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue therebetween, where the first and second jaw members are arranged to receive surgical energy from a surgical generator. The tissue engaging portion further includes at least one cooling member spaced from at least one of the first and second jaw members, where the cooling member has an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue. Positioning the jaw members in their closed position and applying surgical energy to the tissue allows for treatment of the tissue, and positioning the cooling member in its closed position provides at least one of a pressure gradient or a thermal gradient between the jaw members and the cooling member.

01-06-2011

20090306639

Cryoprobe incorporating electronic module, and system utilizing same - A cryotherapy system comprises a cryoprobe comprising, for example, either an electronic module including a memory or a response module operable to respond to a query signal with a response signal. A communications interface uses these modules to establish a unique identification of the cryoprobe, and a control module regulates delivery of cryogen to the cryoprobe according to calculations at least partially based on stored data associated with that unique cryoprobe identification.

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE - Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a plurality of probes each comprising an interior surface defining an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A plurality of introducers are provided each comprising an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe where at least one air gap is produced by the introducer and probe engagement and an exterior surface comprising a heat conductive tip where the probe tip is snap fixed with the introducer tip in a configuration for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

09-18-2014

20150018809

HEATED ELECTRODES FOR CONTINUED VISUALIZATION OF PULMONARY VEIN POTENTIALS - A method and system for cryotreatment and mapping of target tissue. The cryotreatment system may include a cryotreatment catheter, a mapping catheter including one or more mapping electrodes, and one or more temperature sensors located on the mapping catheter and/or the cryotreatment catheter. The cryotreatment catheter distal tip may be short enough to allow at least one mapping electrode to be positioned proximate the cryoballoon, for example, within 6 mm or less from the cryoballoon. Energy, such as radiofrequency energy, may be delivered to one or more mapping electrodes when one or more temperature sensors indicate a temperature of approximately 0° C. or below at one or more mapping electrode in order to thaw or prevent the formation of ice on the mapping electrodes when positioned proximate a cryoballoon during a cryotreatment procedure in order to recapture cardiac signals.

01-15-2015

20150018808

MAPPING WIRE WITH HEATING ELEMENT TO ALLOW AXIAL MOVEMENT DURING CRYOBALLOON ABLATION - A method and system for cryotreatment of target tissue using a cryotreatment catheter through which a mapping catheter may be freely movable, even during activation of the cryotreatment element. The cryotreatment system may include a cryotreatment catheter, a mapping catheter slidably disposed within a lumen of the cryotreatment catheter, and one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be disposed on the mapping catheter or within the lumen of the cryotreatment catheter. Activation of the one or more heating elements prevents the freezing of, or thaws, fluid within the lumen of the cryotreatment device when one or more cryotreatment elements are activated. The lack of frozen fluid within the lumen allows the mapping catheter to freely move within the cryotreatment catheter during a cryotreatment procedure, so that the mapping catheter may be positioned proximate the treatment site after initiation of cryotreatment.

01-15-2015

20090299358

Cryotreatment Device and Method of Forming Conduction Blocks - Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

12-03-2009

20140012243

CYROGENIC TREATMENT METHODS - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

01-09-2014

20120109118

CRYOGENIC-RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION SYSTEM - A medical treatment system, including a catheter body defining a fluid flow path therethrough; an expandable element disposed on the catheter body, the expandable element defining a cooling chamber therein in fluid communication with the fluid flow path; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the expandable element; a cryogenic fluid source in fluid communication with the fluid flow path; and a radiofrequency energy source in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes. A method of treating a cardiac tissue site proximate an orifice, including substantially occluding the orifice with an expandable element; powering a plurality of electrodes coupled to the expandable element to reach a predetermined target temperature; circulating a coolant through the expandable element to freeze portions of the cardiac tissue site located between the plurality of electrodes; and ablating the non-frozen portions of the tissue site with the plurality of electrodes.

Cryogenic Ablation System and Method - A device for treating esophageal target tissue comprises a catheter, a balloon and a refrigerant delivery device. The catheter has a distal portion and a refrigerant delivery lumen. The balloon is mounted to and the refrigerant delivery device is coupled to the distal portion. The refrigerant delivery device comprises a chamber with the refrigerant delivery lumen opening into the chamber, a refrigerant delivery opening fluidly coupled to the balloon interior, and a distribution passageway fluidly coupling the chamber and the refrigerant delivery opening. A refrigerant is deliverable through the refrigerant delivery lumen, into the chamber, through the distribution passageway, through the refrigerant delivery opening and into the balloon interior so to place the balloon into an expanded, cooled state so that the balloon can press against and cool esophageal target tissue. The medical device may include means for sensing a leak in the balloon.

08-01-2013

20130197498

LARGE AREA CRYOABLATION CATHETER WITH MULTI-GEOMETRY TIP ECG/CRYO MAPPING CAPABILITIES - A medical device including an ablation element. A thermally insulative sheath is included disposed within the ablation element. A fluid injection tube is disposed within a portion of the thermally insulative sheath. The ablation element passively transitions from a substantially linear geometric configuration to a substantially circular geometric configuration as the sheath is retracted proximally from a first position in which the sheath substantially encloses the fluid injection tube to a second position in which a portion of the fluid injection tube extends a distance away from the sheath.

08-01-2013

20150080869

LINER FOR CYROGENIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS - Liners for cryogenic treatment systems are described where a cryogenic fluid or gas may be introduced into a liner expanded within a body lumen such as the uterine cavity. The liner may be intentionally sized to be substantially larger than the typical size of the uterine cavity, e.g., 1.2 times (or more), greater than the size of the uterine cavity into which the liner is inserted. Because the liner is sized intentionally larger than the body lumen to be treated, the liner may never fully expand when deployed. But even with folds or portions of the liner being folded upon itself, the liner may remain sufficiently supple such that the resulting uncontrolled folds allow for complete conformance of the liner against the anatomy of the contacted tissue.

03-19-2015

20140012242

CATHETER DEVICE INCLUDING FLOW SENSING - Devices and methods are provided for performing an ablation procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include a catheter, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the catheter, and a component for applying the ablation procedure. An assessment module provides an indication of the efficacy of the ablation procedure based on the flow measurement from the flow sensor.

Cryosurgical Fluid Supply - Improved systems, devices, and methods for delivering cryogenic cooling fluid to cryosurgical probes such as cryosurgical endovascular balloon catheters take advantage of the transients during the initiation and termination of cryogenic fluid flow to moderate the treatment temperatures of tissues engaged by the probe. A flow limiting element along a cryogenic fluid path intermittently interrupts the flow of cooling fluid, often cycling both the fluid flow and treatment temperature. This can maintain the tissue treatment temperature within a predetermined range which is above the treatment temperature provided by a steady flow of cryogenic fluid. In another aspect, room temperature single-use cooling fluid cartridges are filled with a sufficient quantity of cryosurgical fluid to effect a desired endovascular cryosurgical treatment.

04-25-2013

20130030424

Catheter Having Temperature Controlled Anchor and Related Methods - A catheter includes a catheter body having a temperature-controlled anchor element thereon that is configured to attach the catheter body to tissue by forming a congealed adherence layer between the anchor element and the tissue. An ablation element is connected to the catheter body and is configured to ablate tissue when the anchor element is attached to the tissue.

01-31-2013

20150088111

RENAL NEUROMODULATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF HYPERALDOSTERONISM - Methods for treating hyperaldosteronism with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in renal nerves proximate a renal blood vessel of a human patient. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to hyperaldosteronism of the patient can thereby be improved. Moreover, central sympathetic drive in the patient can be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for hyperaldosteronism. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to use electrically-induced, thermally-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches to modulate the renal nerve.

03-26-2015

20100069900

DUAL BALLOON CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A dual balloon catheter assembly and method of use thereof are provided. The dual balloon catheter assembly may be used in a cryoplasty treatment that is provided in combination with eluting an antiproliferative to reduce and/or eliminate vessel fractures, thereby inhibiting proliferative response after angioplasty.

03-18-2010

20150018811

REGULATING PRESSURE TO LOWER TEMPERATURE IN A CYROTHERAPY BALLOON CATHETER - A cryotherapy catheter can include an elongate member and an inflatable balloon at a distal end of the elongate member, the elongate member having lumens formed therein to supply cryogenic fluid to a chamber of the balloon and to channel exhaust from the balloon chamber; and a controller programmed to control a first rate at which the cryogenic fluid is supplied to the balloon chamber and a second rate at which exhaust is channeled from the balloon chamber, wherein the controller is programmed to a) develop, during a first phase of a cryotherapy procedure, a first pressure inside the balloon chamber at a value that is greater than an ambient pressure outside and adjacent to a proximal end of the elongate member, and b) develop, during a second phase of the cryotherapy procedure, the first pressure at a value that is less than the ambient pressure.

01-15-2015

20150018810

CRYOGENIC SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen interconnected with cryotreatment devices including cryoprobes and catheters. The cryogenic medical device promotes subcooling to the tips of various external cryogenic instrument configurations.

01-15-2015

20130281997

METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF VT USING ABLATION - A method and system for treating ventricular tachycardia (VT) by ablating scarred myocardial tissue containing a reentrant VT circuit. The method generally includes measuring electrical activity at a plurality of sites within a heart, identifying an area of scarred myocardial tissue based at least in part on the electrical activity measurements, and ablating substantially all of the scarred area. The system generally includes a medical device having a distal end, a plurality of electrical conduction sensors coupled to the distal end, and a console in communication with the distal end of the device, the console including a computer with display. The computer may be programmed to identify optimal ablation sites within a target tissue and the location of an isthmus associated with a reentrant VT circuit within a target tissue, the identifications being based at least in part on the measurements of the electrical conduction sensors.

10-24-2013

20110144631

SUBDERMAL CRYOGENIC REMODELING OF MUSCLES, NERVES, CONNECTIVE TISSUE, AND/OR ADIPOSE TISSUE (FAT) - Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.

06-16-2011

20150025514

SELECTIVE DELIVERY OF CRYOGENIC ENERGY TO INTERVERTEBRAL DISC TISSUE AND RELATED METHODS OF INTRADISCAL HYPOTHERMIA THERAPY - The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localized hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus, Various effects can be achievW by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target. Accordingly, it is an object of one or more the embodiments of the invention to provide hypothermic therapy to selected locations within an intervertebral disc utilizing a flexible and guidable ciyogenic device.

01-22-2015

20130158533

CRYO-APPLICATOR CROSS-SECTION CONFIGURATION - A configuration for a cryo-catheter which optimizes both the catheter's outer diameter and the size of the catheter's internal refrigerant flow path is described. Specifically, the inner dimensions of the cryo-catheter are configured to accommodate a pre-selected flow of refrigerant into the catheter's distal tip, and a return flow of refrigerant from the distal tip. The return flow is established in the void spaces between a refrigerant supply line and the inner wall of the catheter body. The available void space varies along the catheter length and depends on the presence/absence of various catheter accessories (i.e. pull wires, pressure tubes, etc.) which typically only extend through a portion of the catheter length. The disclosed configuration ensures that the cryo-catheter does not operate in a refrigerant limited condition, maintains the refrigerant as a liquid in the supply tube, and maintains the return line pressure at about 1 atmosphere.

06-20-2013

20120029495

ENDOLUMINAL ABLATION CRYOBALLOON AND METHOD - A method of ablating tissue is provided, including positioning an expandable element of a catheter in a blood vessel; inflating the expandable element with a volume of refrigerant to substantially occlude the blood vessel; measuring the volume of refrigerant used to inflate the expandable element; correlating the measured volume to an inflated dimension of the expandable element; defining at least one of a target pressure within the expandable element and a target flow rate for refrigerant delivery to the expandable element based at least in part on the inflated dimension; regulating refrigerant delivery to the expandable element to attain the at least one defined target pressure within the expandable element or defined target flow rate for fluid delivery to the expandable element; and ablating at least a portion of the blood vessel with the expandable element.

02-02-2012

20120029494

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATION - An intravascular catheter is provided, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a substantially linear thermal segment located distally of the expandable element; a first fluid flow path in fluid communication with the expandable element; and a second fluid flow path in fluid communication with the substantially linear thermal segment.

02-02-2012

20120035602

Method and System for Cryoablating Fibroadenomas - A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

02-09-2012

20130253491

Cryosurgery System - A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module , a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

09-26-2013

20120065630

CRYOSURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR TREATING LARGE VOLUME OF TISSUE - A cryosurgical instrument that is selectively positioned in a patient tissue by rotation. The instrument includes: a manipulation section that permits a user to rotate the instrument; a cryogen supply portion; and a positioning section having a sharp tip at an end and a helical configuration, the positioning section configured to receive cryogen and to permit the received cryogen to cool the positioning section. The positioning section urges the cryosurgical instrument deeper into the patient when the instrument is rotated in a first direction, via the manipulation section, and urges the cryosurgical instrument outward when the instrument is rotated in a second direction that is opposite the first, via the manipulation section.

03-15-2012

20120065629

SUBDERMAL CRYOGENIC REMODELING OF MUSCLES, NERVES, CONNECTIVE TISSUE, AND/OR ADIPOSE TISSUE (FAT) - Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.

Providing Cryotherapy With a Balloon Catheter Having a Non-Uniform Thermal Profile - A cryotherapy catheter can include an elongate member and an inflatable balloon portion at a distal end of the elongate member. The inflatable balloon portion can have an external surface and an interior chamber, and the external surface can include a cooling region and a thermally insulated region. The interior chamber can be configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue that is in contact with the cooling region. A thermal profiling component can be disposed in the interior chamber and configured to thermally insulate the thermally insulated region from the cryogenic agent to minimize heat extraction by the cryogenic agent from body tissue that is in contact with the thermally insulated region.

04-22-2010

20120226269

Surgical System and Procedure for Treatment of Medically Refractory Atrial Fibrillation - The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

09-06-2012

20110087205

ABLATION DEVICE WITH JAWS - System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in a first position with respect to the moving arm. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device including a central support, an upper four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, an upper jaw coupled to the upper linkage, a lower four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower linkage. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device having an upper jaw including a first cannula connection and a lower jaw including a second cannula connection. The system can include a first catheter coupled to the first cannula connection and a second catheter coupled to the second cannula connection. The first and second catheters can be inserted through the incision and can move the upper and lower jaws adjacent the pulmonary veins.

04-14-2011

20120071868

CRYOSURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A cryosurgical instrument, in particular a biopsy instrument for transbronchial biopsy, having an elongated instrument base body with a distal and proximal end, in relation to the operational position, a cooled section close to the distal end and which removes tissue, said section being designed such that surrounding biological material adheres thereto, by means of cryoadhesion, when said instrument is in use in the cooled state, and a security section provided at a distance from the tissue removal section and which comprises means for preventing or reducing the adhesion of biological material.

03-22-2012

20120165803

ELECTRICAL MAPPING AND CRYO ABLATING WITH A BALLOON CATHETER - In some implementations, a method of ablating body tissue includes (a) locating an inflatable balloon portion of a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site internal to a patient's body, and inflating the inflatable balloon portion; (b) employing electrodes that are disposed on an expandable surface of the inflatable balloon portion to electrically characterize body tissue at the treatment site; (c) ablating the body tissue by supplying a cryotherapy agent to the inflatable balloon portion to cool the body tissue to a therapeutic temperature; (d) employing the electrodes to determine whether the ablating caused desired electrical changes in the body tissue; and (e) repeating (c) and (d) when it is determined that the ablating did not cause the desired electrical changes.

06-28-2012

20120165802

METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PREVENT COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION IN CATHETER IN CASE OF A KINK - A medical device comprising a shaft having a kink radius; a tube disposed within the shaft; a fluid source in fluid communication with the tube; an elongate member disposed within the tube, and the elongate member imparting a kink radius on the tube, the imparted kink radius of the tube being larger than the kink radius of the shaft.

06-28-2012

20150148791

SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CRYOGENIC RENAL NEUROMODULATION - Cryotherapeutic systems and cryotherapeutic-system components configured for renal neuromodulation are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a console having a cartridge housing, a cartridge connector adjacent to the cartridge housing, and a supply passage fluidly connected to the cartridge connector. The console can further include a supply valve along the supply passage and a control assembly including a supply-valve actuator and a user interface. The supply-valve actuator can be operably connected to the supply valve, and the control assembly can be configured to signal the supply-valve actuator to open the supply valve in response to a signal from the user interface.

05-28-2015

20140163539

Cryoprobe for Low Pressure Systems - A cryoprobe for use in cryosurgery and other applications comprising a rigid outer tube, an inner coolant inlet tube. a short rigid penetrating segment extending distally from the distal end of the outer tube and a helical-shaped baffle having a heating element disposed about the outer surface of the inlet tube. The baffle is adapted to produce turbulent fluid flow improving heat transfer and is able to warm target tissue during rapid freezing and thawing cycles.

06-12-2014

20150141975

FLUID SPRAYING APPARATUSES, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid spraying apparatuses, and related systems and methods. The disclosed fluid spraying apparatuses may be used, for example, to spray a medically suitable fluid on a target region of a subject, such as for treating or removing tissue of the subject. In an embodiment, a fluid spraying apparatus includes a spray mechanism including at least one reservoir, and a spraying device operably coupled to the at least one reservoir which has an adjustable spray nozzle. The fluid spraying apparatus includes a distance sensor configured to sense information at least related to a distance to a target region of a subject and output one or more signals encoding the information, and control electrical circuitry operably coupled to the spray mechanism and the distance sensor. The control electrical circuitry is configured to activate the spray mechanism responsive to receiving the one or more signals.

05-21-2015

20110190751

NESTED BALLOON CRYOTHERAPY - A cryotherapy system includes a cryotherapy catheter having an inflatable balloon portion and a pressure regulator. The inflatable balloon portion includes an outer balloon and an inner balloon within the outer balloon. The inner balloon is configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue at a desired location. The inflatable balloon portion is at a distal end of the cryotherapy catheter. The pressure regulator is adapted to maintain a positive pressure between the inner balloon and the outer balloon during a cryotherapy procedure.

CRYOBALLOON REFRIGERANT DISPERSION CONTROL - A catheter based medical device including controlled refrigerant dispersion is disclosed. The device includes a fluid injection tube that carries refrigerant from a coolant supply to the distal portion of the device. An open distal end or one or more orifices may be provided on the injection tube for the refrigerant to be expelled into an expandable chamber such as a balloon disposed on the distal portion of the catheter. The dispersion of the refrigerant from the injection tube may be controlled or manipulable to direct the refrigerant to one or more target locations.

07-28-2011

20110184400

TRIPLE BALLOON CATHETER - The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen; a second lumen; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more deformable balloon and/or flexible elements. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method, a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the left atrium is ablated with the device, whereby the ablation is created by freezing tissue.

Medical Devices - Medical systems and methods including balloons having nanotubes are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical system includes an elongated shaft, and an expandable balloon carried by the shaft and including nanotubes. The medical system is capable of cooling the balloon to less than about 37° C. In some embodiments, a method includes providing a medical device having an elongated shaft, and an expandable balloon carried by the elongated shaft and including nanotubes; and cooling the balloon to less than about 37° C.

11-11-2010

20120197245

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CYROGENIC TREATMENT OF A BODY CAVITY OR LUMEN - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

08-02-2012

20120271291

FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. A check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. Additionally, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.

10-25-2012

20150305794

METHOD FOR TREATING A LUNG - An embodiment of the disclosure includes a method for treating a lung. The method may include inserting a cooling element into an airway of the lung; and damaging tissue disposed radially outward of surface tissue defining the airway via the cooling element

10-29-2015

20130218149

CRYO-THERAPY SPRAY DEVICE - A device for cryotherapy treatment of gastrointestinal lesions includes a cooling member that may be attached to a first tube for pressurizing cryogenic fluid through the tube and into the cooling member through nozzles located at the distal end of the first tube. A second tube may be attached to the cooling member for evacuating the cryogenic fluid from within the cooling member, following the fluid's expansion once it exits the first tube. The cryotherapy device may be attached to an endoscope such that the first tube may be passed through the endoscope's working channel, while the second tube may be passed along the endoscope's circumference. The cryotherapy device may further comprise securing means attached to the first tube, for securing the first tube to the endoscope's working channel, thus preventing free rotation of the cryotherapy device within the endoscope, relative to the rotation of the endoscope. In addition, the securing means assist in maintaining a constant and known location of the nozzles relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

08-22-2013

20120191082

Method And Apparatus For Regulating The Formation Of Ice On A Catheter - A method and apparatus is provided, including regulating the generation and formation of ice on an elongate body applied to the tissue of a patient. The method may include measuring a parameter from a sensor disposed on the instrument. The forming of ice and active warming of the instrument may be via a thermal source in fluid communication with the instrument.

07-26-2012

20120191081

Method and Apparatus for Regulating The Formation Of Ice On A Catheter - A method and apparatus is provided, including regulating the generation and formation of ice and active warming of an instrument applied to the tissue of a patient. The method may include measuring a parameter from a sensor disposed on the instrument. The forming of ice and active warming of the instrument may be via a thermal source in fluid communication with the instrument.

07-26-2012

20140058369

CRYO-ABLATION REFRIGERANT DISTRIBUTION CATHETER - Described herein are methods and devices for performing ablation via a cryoablation catheter. An ablation catheter having a cyroablation chamber at its distal end can be used to achieve a uniform ablation band in or around the pulmonary veins. The cyrochamber can house a dispersion member in fluid communication with a refrigerant supply and can function to evenly distribute received refrigerant over some portion of the inner wall of the cryochamber. As a result of this even distribution of refrigerant within the cyrochamber, uniform ablation of the targeted tissue of the patient can be achieved.

02-27-2014

20120277736

Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation - A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components toward one another. The magnetic means draw the first and second components toward one another to compress the atrial tissue therebetween, along the length of the first and second components and thereby position the device for ablation of the tissue.

11-01-2012

20150313661

FOCAL ABLATION ASSEMBLY - A focal ablation assembly, used with an endoscope comprising an endoscopic tube, comprises a cryogenic catheter, a balloon and a reinforcing element. The cryogenic catheter is placeable within the endoscopic tube channel and has a distal end placeable at the distal end of the endoscopic tube. The balloon is mountable to the catheter distal end and extends distally of both of the distal ends. The reinforcing element at least partially defines the shape of the balloon in the expanded state. The balloon defines a balloon volume when expanded and has a thermally conductive therapeutic region which provides effectively no thermal insulation. In some examples the focal ablation assembly comprises a delivery catheter extending along the channel with a distal portion fluidly coupled to the balloon interior, whereby refrigerant can be introduced into the balloon interior and towards the therapeutic region by the delivery catheter.

11-05-2015

20120289951

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CRYOBLATION OF A TISSUE - Systems and methods for cryoablation of a tissue. In at least one embodiment of a cryoablation system of the present disclosure, the cryoablation system comprises an expandable stent comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a sidewall defining a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a cryoablation chamber at the distal end, the expandable stent configured to permit blood flow therethrough, and a cryoablation device comprising at least one coolant tube at least partially positioned within the cryoablation chamber, wherein the at least one coolant tube is operable to produce a cryogenic environment sufficient to ablate at least a portion of a tissue engaged within the cryoablation chamber.

11-15-2012

20140088578

CRYOELECTRIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF BIOLOGICAL MATTER - Systems and methods are disclosed for treating a target volume of biological matter, by cooling a volume of tissue to a temperature below freezing, and directing an electric field through the cooled volume of tissue or tissue adjacent to the cooled volume of tissue to generate at least a temporary physiological affect on one or more of the cooled volume of tissue and adjacent volume of tissue. The generated physiological affect may include shielding a region of tissue from treatment, focusing treatment on a particular region of tissue, and sterilization of tissue.

03-27-2014

20140074081

CYROGENIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

03-13-2014

20120253337

REGULATING INTERNAL PRESSURE OF A CRYOTHERAPY BALLOON CATHETER - A method of performing a cryotherapy procedure can include introducing a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site inside a patient's body; regulating, during a first phase of a cryotherapy procedure, flow of cryogenic fluid to and exhaust from a distal balloon portion of the cryotherapy balloon catheter to cause an initial pressure to be maintained inside the distal balloon portion that is sufficiently high to cause an outer wall of the distal balloon portion to be pressed against body tissue at the treatment site; and regulating, during a second phase of the cryotherapy procedure, flow of cryogenic fluid to and exhaust from the distal balloon portion to cause a) a temperature inside the distal balloon portion to reach a value sufficient to deliver therapeutic levels of cryotherapy to the body tissue, and b) a second-phase pressure to be maintained that is within a threshold value of the initial pressure.

10-04-2012

20150051594

OVARIAN NEUROMODULATION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods for treating polycystic ovary syndrome with therapeutic ovarian neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Polycystic ovary syndrome can be associated, for example, with a condition including at least one of oligo/amenorrhea, infertility, hirsutism, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and increased cardiovascular risk profile. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate an ovarian artery of an ovary of a patient. Sympathetic drive in the patient can thereby be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the polycystic ovary syndrome. Ovarian sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along afferent and/or efferent pathways. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a therapeutic assembly, e.g., a therapeutic assembly configured to use electrically-induced, thermally-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches modulate the ovarian nerve.

02-19-2015

20140163538

Refrigerant Supply System for Cryotherapy Including Refrigerant Recompression and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods - Cryotherapeutic systems configured for refrigerant recompression and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a high-pressure line, a low-pressure line, a recompression unit, and a cryo-catheter. The recompression unit increases the pressure of refrigerant from the low-pressure line to the high-pressure line to a treatment pressure sufficient for cryogenic alteration of tissue. The high-pressure line and the low-pressure line include, respectively, a first connector and a second connector. The cryo-catheter includes a shaft, a supply lumen in the shaft that is coupled to the first connector, an exhaust lumen in the shaft that is coupled to the second connector, and a cryo-applicator attached to the shaft having a cooling chamber configured to receive refrigerant from the supply lumen and to return refrigerant via the exhaust lumen to the low-pressure line.

06-12-2014

20140107636

LINEAR ABLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. Various ablative patterns can be produced by the devices, including, linear ablation patterns. One exemplary device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to support the cryoablation chamber.

04-17-2014

20120253336

CRYO-INDUCED RENAL NEUROMODULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A method for cryo-induced renal neuromodulation includes applying cryoenergy to neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or to vascular structures that contact, feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In one embodiment, cryoenergy is applied via a distal energy-delivering section of a flexible catheter. The distal section may include a plurality of microtubes for transporting a cryogen to the distal tip. The energy-delivering section contacts and extracts heat from the wall of the renal artery. In one embodiment, the distal energy-delivering section is radially expandable. The renal nerve is cooled to a degree such that nerve function is disrupted.

10-04-2012

20120197244

TREATMENT FOR ANEURYSM - The invention relates to methods for treating, inhibiting, reducing the size of or preventing enlargement of, aneurysms in a subject by delivering thermal or cryo energy to the vasculature of the subject at or near the site of an existing or potential aneurysm.

08-02-2012

20120289952

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT ABLATION TO ACHIEVE LOSS OF PERSISTENT AND/OR RECURRENT EXCESS BODY WEIGHT FOLLOWING A WEIGHT LOSS OPERATION - Devices and methods are provided for ablational treatment of regions of the digestive tract in post-bariatric surgery patients who fail to achieve or maintain the desired weight loss. Bariatric procedures include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, and sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures reconstruct gastrointestinal tract features, creating pouches, stoma, and tubes that restrict and/or divert the digestive flow. Post-surgical dilation of altered structures is common and diminishes their bariatric effectiveness. Ablation of compromised structures can reduce their size and compliance, restoring bariatric effectiveness. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.

11-15-2012

20120239018

VARIABLE CRYOSURGICAL PROBE PLANNING SYSTEM - A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.

CRYOADHESIVE DEVICE FOR LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION - An epicardial device, system, and method for stabilizing the left atrial appendage during a left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion procedure. A cryoadhesion device including a stabilization element is positioned within the pericardial space proximate the left atrial appendage through subxiphoid access. Once the stabilization element is in contact with the left atrial appendage, the stabilization element is cooled to a temperature that is sufficient to cryoadhere the stabilization element to the left atrial appendage. In this way, the cryoadhesion device stabilizes the left atrial appendage in order to perform left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion with a secondary medical device.

03-10-2016

20120283716

ABLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. One such device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to occupy a non-therapeutic volume.

11-08-2012

20120283713

COMPLIANT SLEEVES COUPLED WITH WIRE STRUCTURES FOR CRYOABLATION - A medical system, including a catheter body, a mesh coupled to the catheter body; an expandable element enclosing the mesh, the expandable element made from a compliant natural rubber emulsion, such as Yulex® HA; and a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with the expandable element.

11-08-2012

20120259322

SKIN PROTECTION FOR SUBDERMAL CRYOGENIC REMODELING FOR COSMETIC AND OTHER TREATMENTS - A systems and methods for controlling temperature in a cryogenic device includes providing a device having a probe and a heater element. A distal region of the probe is engaged with the target region. Measuring and recording current temperature of a proximal region of the probe and time of the measurement is used to determine slope of a temperature curve defined by two points. The first point is defined by the current temperature and time of measurement and a second point is defined by a previous measurement of proximal region temperature and time of measurement. When the slope is less than a slope threshold value a treatment flag is activated, treatment start time is recorded and the proximal region is heated with the heater element. Heating is discontinued and the treatment flag is deactivated after elapsed treatment time exceeds a duration threshold value.

10-11-2012

20120265186

STEERABLE CURVABLE ABLATION CATHETER FOR VERTEBROPLASTY - Disclosed herein is a steerable, curvable catheter with one, two, or more ablation elements that can be used for various applications including vertebroplasty. The catheter can include an elongate, tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough; a deflectable zone on the distal end of the tubular body, deflectable through an angular range; a handle on the proximal end of the tubular body; and a deflection control on the handle; an energy delivery control on the handle; and one or more energy delivery elements on the distal end of the device for ablating tissue within bone. The energy delivery elements could be RF heating electrodes in a monopole or dipole arrangement although other energy delivery modalities are also contemplated. For example, the energy delivery elements include cryoprobes. Systems and methods involving the ablation catheter are also disclosed.

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER FOR A CRYOPROBE, CRYOSURGICAL DEVICE HAVING A TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER, AND METHOD FOR REGULATING THE TEMPERATURE OF A CRYOPROBE - A cryosurgical apparatus with a temperature regulator. For better therapeutic success, it is desirable to set the temperature applied to a cryosurgical instrument as exactly as possible. Conventional apparatuses have corresponding temperature sensors allowing the regulation of the cooling power in the cryosurgical instrument such that the cooling power corresponds to a predefined value. However, the dimensions of some temperature sensors prevent them from being provided within a cryoprobe. Furthermore, suitable temperature sensors are expensive and have low durability. This problem is solved by the disclosed temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a cryoprobe, which supplies an at least partly liquid refrigerant at a first pressure to an evaporation region such that the coolant evaporates at least temporarily under the presence of a second pressure for cooling a cooling portion of the cryoprobe. A pressure setting means that sets at least the second pressure is also provided.

06-23-2011

20160074090

BALLOON DESIGN TO ENHANCE COOLING UNIFORMITY - A device, system, and method for enhancing cooling uniformity and efficiency of cryogenic fluids and providing a treatment element the shape of which can be adjusted for multiple purposes. The device may include a balloon catheter and fluid dispersion element, the fluid dispersion element directing the flow of coolant from a fluid injection element the interior wall of the balloon. The method of changing the shape of the treatment element may include retracting and extending a shaft to which the distal neck of a balloon is coupled, so that the balloon goes from a first shape to a second shape.

03-17-2016

20110152849

Cryogenic System and Method of Use - A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device comprises a number of parts including a vacuum insulated outer dewar, submersible cryogen pump, baffled linear heat exchanger, multiple pressurization cartridges, a return chamber, and a series of valves to control the flow of the liquid cryogen interconnected with cryotreatment devices including cryoprobes and catheters. The cryogenic medical device promotes subcooling to the tips of various external cryogenic instrument configurations.

06-23-2011

20110208174

CRYOCLAMP AND METHOD OF USE - A cryogenic medical device is disclosed for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Various configurations of cryoprobes are designed in combination with a clamp to form a cryoclamp for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues. The device is an integrated cryoablation probe with a hinged clamp that allows for single entry into the chest cavity through a thorascopic port, by surgical or other means. The integrated cryoablation probe allows for the clamping of tissue as well as freezing with a single device. The clamp acts as an outer sheath so that when closed, directional freezing of the cryoprobe is achieved on the opposing probe surface away from the clamp or on an internal surface that is between the clamp. The cryoclamp may be a removable attachment or integrated into the unitary device.

08-25-2011

20110190750

MULTIFUNCTIONAL ABLATION DEVICE - An intravascular catheter is provided, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a substantially linear thermal segment located proximally of the expandable element, the thermal segment defining a first flexibility, where the thermal segment is positioned between two portions of the catheter body each including a flexibility less than that of the thermal segment; a first fluid flow path in fluid communication with the expandable element; and a second fluid flow path in fluid communication with the thermal segment.

08-04-2011

20110184399

PARTIALLY COMPLIANT BALLOON DEVICE - A medical device is provided, having an elongate body defining a distal portion and a proximal portion; a first expandable member disposed on the distal portion of the elongate body and defining a cooling chamber therein, the first expandable member having a first rigidity; a second expandable member disposed around the first expandable member to define an interstitial region therebetween, where the second expandable member has a second rigidity less than the first rigidity; a gel disposed within the interstitial region; a coolant flow path in fluid communication with the cooling chamber; and a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with the coolant flow path.

07-28-2011

20090192505

Method for cryospray ablation - The present invention relates to methods for treating tissue in the thoracic cavity of a subject by the application of a cryogen, or using the cryogen to create an isotherm in proximity to the tissue to be treated. A wide variety of conditions may be treated using the methods of the invention including asthma, neoplastic disease and a variety of conditions characterized by inflammation in lung and chest tissue.

07-30-2009

20090125008

Cryosurgical Instrument and Its Accessory System - The invention proposes a cryosurgical instrument and its accessory system operating on the base of a refrigerant evaporation. The invention comprises combination of some technical solutions. Flow in a central lumen of the cryosurgical instrument has oscillating character; the refrigerant is provided on the internal surface of the distal cryotip in the form of separated portions. 2. The internal surface of the distal cryotip of the cryosurgical instrument is covered by a porous coating, which soaks completely one portion of the refrigerant. 3. Vapors obtained as a result of the refrigerant boiling on the porous coating of the cryotip are removed through the central lumen into the atmosphere. Combination of these technical solutions allows to construct a safely cryosurgical instrument with high freezing power and small outer diameter. The proposed cryosurgical instrument may be designed as a flexible cryocatheter or as a rigid cryoprobe.

05-14-2009

20090182319

ENDOVASCULAR CRYOTREATMENT CATHETER - An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. One or more sensors may be disposed between the balloons or the vacuum return lumen, to detect leaks and control the flow of fluid through the device. Examples of sensors include pressure and temperature sensors, optical sensors, magnetic flow switches and flow meters.

07-16-2009

20080312643

TISSUE ABLATION SYSTEM INCLUDING GUIDEWIRE WITH SENSING ELEMENT - A tissue ablation system for ablating tissue is presented having independent sensing and ablation capabilities. A sensing wire is positioned distally to the ablation region and passed through the ablation device allowing independent movement. The ablation device can ablate a substantial portion of a circumferential region of tissue. The tissue ablation system comprises an ablation device comprised of an elongated catheter with a proximal region and a distal region and an ablation element located proximate the distal region of the catheter. A sensing device having an elongated body with a proximal portion and a distal portion is adapted to be positioned within a vessel at or near a vessel ostium, wherein the sensing device is adapted to be slidably received within a lumen of the ablation device. The sensing device may be shaped in various configurations.

12-18-2008

20080312642

TISSUE ABLATION SYSTEM INCLUDING GUIDEWIRE WITH SENSING ELEMENT - A tissue ablation system for ablating tissue is presented having independent sensing and ablation capabilities. A sensing wire is positioned distally to the ablation region and passed through the ablation device allowing independent movement. The ablation device can ablate a substantial portion of a circumferential region of tissue. The tissue ablation system comprises an ablation device comprised of an elongated catheter with a proximal region and a distal region and an ablation element located proximate the distal region of the catheter. A sensing device having an elongated body with a proximal portion and a distal portion is adapted to be positioned within a vessel at or near a vessel ostium, wherein the sensing device is adapted to be slidably received within a lumen of the ablation device. The sensing device may be shaped in various configurations.

12-18-2008

20090143776

MODIFICATION OF AIRWAYS BY APPLICATION OF CRYO ENERGY - A method for decreasing responsiveness or decreasing resistance to airflow of airways involves the transfer of energy to or from the airway walls to prevent or reduce airway constriction and other symptoms of lung diseases. The treatment reduces the ability of the airways to contract during an acute narrowing of the airways, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. The methods according to the present invention provide a longer duration and/or more effective treatment for lung diseases than currently used drug treatments, and obviate patient compliance issues.

06-04-2009

20090209949

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTING COOLANT WITHIN A CRYO-ABLATION DEVICE - Apparatus and methods for uniformly distributing coolant within a cryo-ablation device. A nozzle apparatus includes a tubular member having a plurality of angled apertures that induce swirling of coolant streams dispersed through the angled apertures. Coolant swirling round the tubular member and along an inner surface of an inflatable balloon element inflates the balloon element and cryogenically ablate tissue. The swirling action achieved using angled apertures uniformly distributes coolant along the inner surface of the balloon such that the temperatures along an inner surface of the balloon element and ablation of tissue adjacent to the balloon element are substantially uniform.

08-20-2009

20090093801

Circumferential ablation guide wire system and related method of using the same - Device and method significantly that improves the safety and procedural success of the existing art by being able to be less traumatic to vascular tissue, improving atrial contact with the ablation surface, improving positioning and geometrical precision of the ablation pattern, improving steerability and deliverability of the ablation device and by improving localization and geometric precision of the ablation device. The risk of pulmonary vein fibrosis/stenosis will also be substantially lowered. Finally, expansion of the eligible atrial fibrillation population will inherently increase due to the improved components and methods of the present invention.

04-09-2009

20090209951

Treating Internal Body Tissue - Some embodiments of the invention relate to a system for treating tissue internal to a body, such as heart tissue. For example, the system may be used to ablate tissue as a treatment for atrial fibrillation. In certain embodiments, the system is capable of causing scar tissue to form in ostial areas of the atrium rather than inside the pulmonary vein. In such embodiments, the system may include a tissue treatment member that is operable to form an annular area of ablated tissue along the outer portion of the ostium in an area known as the antrum.

08-20-2009

20090209950

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY CATHETER SYSTEM - Described herein are devices and methods for treating tissue, comprising a catheter with a plurality of access sites and a plurality of sensors associated with the access sites. The catheter may be positioned along a tissue surface and the sensors may be used to identify a target site along the tissue surface using the plurality of sensors. Analysis of the tissue surface by the sensors is performed without requiring repositioning of the catheter. In some examples, the access sites of the catheter are side openings along a length of the catheter and the plurality of sensors are electrodes configured to measure electrophysiology parameters. In these examples, the catheter may comprise an internal lumen which permits a treatment device, such as an ablation catheter, to be slidably positioned at the desired target site without requiring displacement of the catheter. In other examples, the catheter may comprise a plurality of fixed ablation elements associated with the plurality of access sites.

ABLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. One such device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to occupy a non-therapeutic volume.

07-16-2009

20090182316

LINEAR ABLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. Various ablative patterns can be produced by the devices, including, linear ablation patterns. One exemplary device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to support the cryoablation chamber.

07-16-2009

20090182318

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING BIOIMPEDANCE AND RESPIRATION - A method of treating tissue is provided, including positioning a portion of a catheter in proximity to cardiac tissue; measuring an impedance value with the catheter; determining a respiratory rate based at least in part on the measured impedance value; and thermally treating the cardiac tissue with the catheter.

07-16-2009

20090118723

COOLANT INJECTION TUBE - A medical device includes a steering element defining a passage for a guide wire. A fluid injection tube defining a proximal and a distal end is also included, wherein a portion of the fluid injection tube is contoured about a portion of the steering element. A plurality of injection ports may be disposed in the portion of the fluid injection tube contoured about the steering element.

05-07-2009

20090171335

Surgical System and Procedure for Treatment of Medically Refractory Atrial Fibrillation - The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

07-02-2009

20080215043

WIDE AREA ABLATION OF MYOCARDIAL TISSUE - The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of a cooling fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; a second lumen permitting return of the cooling fluid from the distal end to the proximal end; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the catheter body to a second diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the catheter body, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more balloon and/or a flexible element that is deformed by moving the distal end of the catheter toward the proximal end of the catheter. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the antrum of the left atrium is ablated with the device. In an exemplary method, only tissue in the antrum is ablated, and the ablation is created by freezing tissue.

09-04-2008

20080300584

CRYOABLATION SEGMENT FOR CREATING LINEAR LESIONS - An applicator for cryoablating tissue to form linear (i.e. straight line and curvilinear) lesions in targeted tissue includes a fluid refrigerant delivery system having a source of a fluid refrigerant and a tubular cryoablation segment. Structurally, the segment has an open proximal end and a distal end, and is formed with a lumen. Also, the segment is formed with at least one distal port and at least one proximal port, with each port connected in fluid communication with the segment's lumen. The proximal end of the tubular segment is operably connected in fluid communication with the source of fluid refrigerant. For the system, the ports can be selectively sized to outflow liquid refrigerant through the distal and proximal ports at a substantially same mass flow rate.

12-04-2008

20090171334

SUBDERMAL CRYOGENIC REMODELING OF MUSCLES, NERVES, CONNECTIVE TISSUE, AND/OR ADIPOSE TISSUE (FAT) - Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.

07-02-2009

20090171333

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLABLY DELIVERING LIQUID COOLANT TO A CRYO-ABLATION DEVICE - Systems and methods for controllably delivering liquid coolant such as nitrous oxide to an ablation device for cryogenically ablating tissue. A cooling element liquefies gaseous coolant released from a coolant supply or tank. An actuator in fluid communication with and between the cooling element and the ablation device defines a chamber. Liquid coolant is controllably drawn into and controllably expelled from the chamber for delivery to the cryo-ablation device. Liquid coolant can be controllably drawn into the chamber from the cooling element or from a container or reservoir that stores liquid coolant generated by the cooling element.

07-02-2009

20090005769

Catheter, Apparatus for Creating a Linear Ablation and a Method of Ablating Tissue - A catheter is provided with an anchoring member for anchoring a part of a linear ablating head of the catheter to a structure. The structure can be a cryogenically anchored point catheter. This allows the surgeon to position the linear catheter more exactly in the heart chamber and overcomes the adverse effects of the slippery and irregular heart chamber walls.

01-01-2009

20090076491

METHODS FOR MAINTAINING THE PATENCY OF COLLATERAL CHANNELS IN THE LUNGS USING CRYO-ENERGY - The methods disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these methods produce and maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. Devices and methods apply cryo-energy to maintain the patency of the surgically created openings.

03-19-2009

20090192504

CRYOSURGERY SYSTEM HAVING UNINTEGRATED DELIVERY AND VISUALIZATION APPARATUS - Systems and methods for delivering cryosurgical treatment. The cryosurgery system comprises a cryogen delivery apparatus configured to deliver a spray of cryogen to target tissue of a patient and an indirect visualization apparatus configured to provide indirect visualization of the target tissue during the cryogen delivery. The indirect visualization apparatus and the cryogen delivery apparatus are constructed and arranged to be operationally unintegrated and physically spaced with respect to each other during the delivery of the cryogen.

07-30-2009

20080262486

Planning and facilitation systems and methods for cryosurgery - Systems and methods for planning a cryoablation procedure and for facilitating a cryoablation procedure utilize integrated images displaying, in a common virtual space, a three-dimensional model of a surgical intervention site based on digitized preparatory images of the site from first imaging modalities, simulation images of cryoprobes used according to an operator-planned cryoablation procedure at the site, and real-time images provided by second imaging modalities during cryoablation. The system supplies recommendations for and evaluations of the planned cryoablation procedure, feedback to an operator during cryoablation, and guidance and control signals for operating a cryosurgery tool during cryoablation. Methods are provided for generating a nearly-uniform cold field among a plurality of cryoprobes, for cryoablating a volume with smooth and well-defined borders, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Cryosurgical devices and methods for endometrial ablation - A cryoablation system including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source. The heat exchanger may be positioned within the probe handle, within the cannula, or at least partially within the balloon. The heat transfer fluid of this cryoablation system preferably has a freezing point lower than about −110° C. and a boiling point greater than about 50° C.

05-28-2009

20090118722

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING SUBCUTANEOUS LIPID-RICH CELLS OR TISSUE - A system for reducing subcutaneous lipid-rich cells or tissue of a subject is disclosed. The system may include a fluid supply, a probe in fluid communication with the fluid supply, and a coolant circulated between the fluid supply and the probe. The probe may be configured to be inserted into the subject to be at least proximate to the subcutaneous lipid rich cells. The coolant may be at a temperature such that the subcutaneous lipid-rich cells or tissue proximate to the inserted probe are cooled.

05-07-2009

20090012512

Method and Apparatus for Gastrointestinal Tract Ablation to Achieve Loss of Persistent and/or Recurrent Excess Body Weight Following a Weight-Loss Operation - Devices and methods are provided for ablational treatment of regions of the digestive tract in post-bariatric surgery patients who fail to achieve or maintain the desired weight loss. Bariatric procedures include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, and sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures reconstruct gastrointestinal tract features, creating pouches, stoma, and tubes that restrict and/or divert the digestive flow. Post-surgical dilation of altered structures is common and diminishes their bariatric effectiveness. Ablation of compromised structures can reduce their size and compliance, restoring bariatric effectiveness. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.

01-08-2009

20090012513

Ablation in the Gastrointestinal Tract to Achieve Hemostasis and Eradicate Lesions With a Propensity for Bleeding - Devices and methods are provided for the ablation of regions of the digestive tract to achieve hemostasis and to eradicate chronically bleeding lesions as occur with gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), radiation proctopathy and colopathy, arteriovenous malformations, and angiodysplasia. Ablation is typically provided in a wide-field manner, and in conjunction with sufficient pressure to achieve coaptive coagulation. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Ablation control may be exerted by way of electrode design and size, energy density, power density, number of applications, pattern of applications, and pressure. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.

01-08-2009

20080300585

Method and device for performing cooling-or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation - The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.

12-04-2008

20080243111

Surgical method and apparatus for treating atrial fibrillation - The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen; a second lumen; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more deformable balloon and/or flexible elements. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method, a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the left atrium is ablated with the device, whereby the ablation is created by freezing tissue.

10-02-2008

20080208182

METHOD FOR TISSUE CRYOTHERAPY - A method for performing cryotherapy on a target tissue region in a body includes positioning a first cooling element in a first location in a body adjacent a target tissue region, positioning a second cooling element in a second location in the body adjacent the target tissue region, and cooling the respective first and second cooling elements so as to cool the target tissue region.